Role of Law in Combatting Air Pollution

Abstract

Air pollution in urban areas arises from multiple sources, which may vary with location to location and activity to activity of development. Anthropogenic activities such as rampant industrialization, exploitation and over consumption of natural resources, population explosion are major contributors of air pollution. Regulations and legislations adopted are enumerated. The Clean Air Act envisaged guidelines for industries regarding emission. It has been seen and observed that in spite several rules and regulations, not much has been achieved in controlling air pollution particularly in countries like India. India needs to make tough legislations The present paper is an effort to discuss various aspects of air pollution and control legislation in India emphasizing on the history, present scenario, gaps and drawbacks. It also presents legislative controls with judicial response to certain landmark judgments related to air pollution. The down sides related to enforcement mechanism for the effective implementation of environmental laws for air pollution control have been highlighted.