Published on November 2025 | Environmental law, sustainable development, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, forest governance, environmental justice, National Green Tribunal, forest rights,

India's Environmental Legal and Policy Framework: From Pollution Control to Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice

The article critically analyzes the evolution of environmental protection in India through constitutional mandates, statutory enactments, judicial interventions, and national policy frameworks. It examines key legislations including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; National Green Tribunal Act, 2010; Biological Diversity Act, 2002; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; and the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The study also evaluates major policy instruments such as the National Environment Policy, 2006; National Forest Policy, 1988; National Water Policy, 2012; Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002; and the global influence of the Brundtland Report Our Common Future (1987). Emphasis is placed on principles of sustainable development, environmental justice, polluter pays principle, precautionary principle, and intergenerational equity. The authors argue that despite India possessing one of the most comprehensive environmental legal regimes among developing countries, challenges such as weak enforcement, institutional fragmentation, climate change pressures, and marginalization of indigenous communities persist. The paper concludes by advocating integrated governance, strengthened institutions, ecological federalism, and enhanced community participation to achieve sustainable development.