The Role of Government & Non-Governmental Organizations in Environmental Law Enforcement

Jagrit Singla

Baba Farid Law College, Faridkot

It has been written by Jagrit Singla, a law graduate from Baba Farid Law College, Faridkot.

Introduction:

In the era of development, the issues related to environment such as global warming and climate change etc., have taken a centre stage and these issues can be defeated by the enforcement of the environmental law properly and strictly. To preserve and protect our planet’s natural resources as well as ensuring the sustainable development it becomes indispensable to impose the environmental laws. Thus, the government and non-governmental organizations play a crucial role for the effective implementation of environmental laws to safeguard and protect our mother planet.

Role of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Environmental Law Enforcement:

Role of Government: -

In enforcement of the environmental law, the Government play an active role both at national and local levels, by establishing legal frameworks, regulations, and policies which are precisely designed for the protection of environment.

  1. Regulatory Framework: Government as a legislature body draft and impose the legal framework and set the standards aimed at protecting and preserving the natural resources, waste management, controlling pollution, protecting biodiversity, etc. In India, there are numerous environmental legislatures which have been enacted by the govt. such as, The Environment Protection Act, 1986; Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, etc.

  2. Enforcement Actions: When there is any violation of the rules and legislations enforced by the government, then the government has the power/authority to impose fines, sanctions, and other penalties.

  3. Public Awareness and Education: Government run various campaigns and seminars to educate and aware the public and the businesses about the environmental laws and its importance. It delivers knowledge related to global warming, climate change, etc. and its impact on the health.

  4. Constitutional Provision: The Constitution of India provides the provisions related to the protection and safeguarding the environment. It is the duty of the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Not only the State, the Constitution also imposes duty on the citizens under to protect and improve the natural resources and environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

    Role of NGOs: -

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also play a crucial role in enforcement of environmental laws in the society effectively by complimenting and supporting the government efforts in the implementation of environmental laws.

  1. Public Engagement and Education: NGOs are influential in spreading the awareness and education in the public by engaging with them through the seminars, workshops, and campaigns; and thus, helps in raising the public awareness about the environmental issues and educating the importance of compliance with the environmental law.

  2. Grassroot Mobilization: NGOs mobilize communities at grassroot/local levels and encourage them to take actions against the environmental degradation. The grassroot mobilization is very essential in implementing the laws or policies related to environment and its enforcement by creating the collective voice of local people.

  3. Alliance with Government: By associating with the government agencies, it becomes more efficient to enhance the enforcement of the environmental laws in the society, as the partnership brings expertise, community connections, assistance in monitoring efforts, and additional resources to the table.

  4. Promoting Sustainable Practices: NGOs often helps in promoting the sustainable development by guiding the businesses and communities about striking a balance between economic development and environmental protection by promoting sustainable practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The environmental law pursues to reconcile human activities with the capacity of the Earth’s ecosystems to support life and maintain ecological balance.

Collaboration between Government and NGOs:

Both government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are the two sides of the same coin and they are the “Frontliners of the Environmental Justice.” The partnership between them plays a vital role in the enforcement of the environmental laws where the government brings authority along with resources; the NGOs bring the grassroot insights, and independent thoughts which helps in creating more effective strategies.

  • Data Sharing and Research Collaboration: For the effective enforcement of environmental law, there is need of accurate data and research. NGOs conduct independent study and research which helps the data/information collected by the government for the effectual enforcement of the environmental law.

  • Joint Programmes and Initiatives: The joint efforts of the government and NGOs provides the services related to organising of various programmes and initiatives connected to the environment protection which helps in inculcating the awareness of specific environmental policies and issues.

  • Legal Collaboration: NGOs take joint legal actions against the violators of the environmental law, together with the governmental agencies to enforce the environmental laws in the society. This partnership between them also helps in drafting new policies and legislations related to environment.

  • Public Awareness Campaigns: The concerted public awareness campaigns organised by NGOs and Government helps in spreading the knowledge and importance of the acquiescence with the environmental laws which make the enforcement of the laws more efficacious.

Conclusion:

Thus, in this age of development where various environmental issues like global warming, deforestation, and climate change are mounting day by day so, the enforcement of environmental law becomes indispensable. For the effective enforcement of the environmental laws the collaborative efforts of the governmental and non-governmental organizations are required which aids in creating a strong framework for the protection of the environment. The environmental law enforcement becomes crucial which certifies the sustainable growth/future for our planet, where challenges related to the environment continue to escalate.

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