MILESTONES

1972

National Council for Environmental Policy and Planning formed within department of science and technology following the UN conference on human environment in Stockholm

1974

Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act passed

1976

Article 48(A) of Constitution mentions protection of environment as a directive principle; Article 51-A (g) mentions it as a fundamental duty

1981

Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act passed

1986

In the wake of the December 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, the comprehensive Environment (Protection) Act is passed. National Coastal Zone Management Authority set up, later converted as the National Ganga Council

2000

Deadlines set for phasing out of various ODSes (ozone-depleting substances)

2005

SC rules “freedom from noise pollution is part of the right to life under Article 21”

2018

Coastal regulation zones notified to promote sustainable development while taking into account increasing sea levels