The Indian government has enacted several laws and regulations to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. As a business owner, it's essential to understand these laws and regulations and take steps to comply with them.
1. Overview
If you are unfamiliar with the environmental issues relevant to your business or you need more specialized advice, a number of organizations exist to help you. Some organizations and programs provide free, in-depth advice to help you comply with regulations, improve the environmental performance of your business, and, at the same time, improve your profitability.
2. Why Your Business May Need Environmental Advice
Your business has to comply with environmental legislation in India, but going beyond what is legally required can bring significant benefits, including:
- Opening new markets: Many customers and investors are increasingly looking for businesses that have a strong environmental track record.
- Increasing profits: Reducing waste, conserving energy, and using resources more efficiently can all help to reduce costs and increase profits.
- Improving your image: By demonstrating your commitment to environmental protection, you can enhance your reputation and build trust with your customers, investors, and other stakeholders.
You may need advice and support with a wide variety of environmental issues, including:
- Complying with environmental legislation, such as the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Assessing your environmental impact
- Improving your energy efficiency
- Improving your resource efficiency
- Recycling
- Setting up an environmental management system
- Choosing and installing environmental technology solutions
- Reducing the environmental impact of your supply chain
3. Choosing the Right Environmental Help and Advice
There are many different sources of information and advice to help you improve your environmental performance. The most appropriate will depend on what you need help with, your location, the size of your business, the sector you work in, and your resources.
National sources of help and advice:
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) provides guidance on environmental legislation and policies.
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) provides guidance on pollution control and prevention.
- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and other academic institutions provide research and expertise on environmental issues.
Local help and advice:
- Your local pollution control board or committee
- Your local municipal corporation or council
- Your local chamber of commerce or industry association
- Environmental consultants
4. Regulation and Advice from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is the main government body responsible for regulating environmental legislation in India. In this role, it issues guidelines, standards, and regulations to control pollution and protect the environment.
The CPCB also provides guidance and advice to help businesses comply with environmental legislation and reduce their impact on the environment. The CPCB website provides information on:
- Environmental legislation and policies
- Pollution control and prevention
- Environmental impact assessment
- Environmental education and awareness
5. Understanding Environmental Legislation with the Environmental Information System (ENVIS)
The Environmental Information System (ENVIS) is a network of databases and information systems that provide guidance on environmental legislation and policies in India.
The ENVIS website provides information on:
- Environmental legislation and policies
- Pollution control and prevention
- Environmental impact assessment
- Environmental education and awareness
ENVIS also provides a range of tools and resources to help businesses comply with environmental legislation, including:
- A database of environmental laws and regulations
- A directory of environmental consultants and service providers
- A library of environmental publications and reports
6. Reduce Waste with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a national mission to clean India and promote waste reduction, recycling, and proper waste disposal.
The mission provides guidance and support to businesses, communities, and individuals to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.
You can access help from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by visiting their website, which provides guidance, tools, and resources on waste reduction, recycling, and proper waste disposal.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan also provides a range of initiatives and programs to support businesses and communities, including
- The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Guidelines for Waste Management
- The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Toolkit for Waste Reduction and Recycling
- The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Awards for Excellence in Waste Management