Section 6 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 issued by MoEF GOI
- (1)The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules in respect of all or any of the matters referred to in section 3.
- (2)In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--
- (a)the standards of quality of air, water or soil for various areas and purposes;
- (b)the maximum allowable limits of concentration of various environmental pollutants (including noise) for different areas;
- (c)the procedures and safeguards for the handling of hazardous substances;
- (d)the prohibition and restrictions on the handling of hazardous substances in different areas;
- (e)the prohibition and restrictions on the location of industries and the carrying on of processes and operations in different areas;
- (f)the procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental pollution and for providing for remedial measures for such accidents.
Summary
- The Central Government is authorized to create specific rules to manage environmental pollution.
- These rules can set the quality standards for air, water, and soil in different areas of the country.
- The government can use these rules to limit the maximum amount of pollutants, including noise, allowed in any location.
- Rules can establish safe procedures for handling hazardous substances or even ban them in certain regions.
- The government can create rules to restrict where industries are located and how they are allowed to operate.
- Rules must also define the steps to take if an accident occurs that harms the environment.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can the government set different air quality limits for a city and a forest under Section 6 of the Environment Act?
Yes, Section 6 allows the government to set standards of quality for air, water, or soil for various areas and purposes.
2. Does Section 6 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 cover noise pollution?
Yes, Section 6(2)(b) specifically mentions that rules can set the maximum allowable limits for environmental pollutants, which include noise.
3. Can Section 6 of the Environment Act be used to stop a chemical plant from moving into my neighborhood?
Yes, the government can make rules that prohibit or restrict the location of industries in different areas.
4. Who makes the rules for preventing environmental accidents under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
The Central Government is empowered by Section 6 to create rules for procedures and safeguards to prevent accidents and provide remedial measures.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 6 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which entity has the power to make rules by notification in the Official Gazette?
Q2.According to Section 6 of the Environment Act, standards can be set for the quality of which of the following?
Q3.Under Section 6 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, what can rules say about hazardous substances?
Q4.Which of these is specifically mentioned as something the government can limit under Section 6 of the Environment Act?