Handbook of Environmental Law

In the face of realities today—global warming, clearly discernible climate changes, rapidly deteriorating air and water quality, as well as, floods, droughts, and relentless deforestation—action aimed at preservation of the earth’s natural environment is imperative worldwide. This revised handbook provides a comprehensive study of legislation, regulations, and case law relating to environmental protection in India. It also critically examines all the recent changes in the coastal regulations and case laws, and their impact on environmental protection.

Sahasranaman analyses key issues related to environmental protection including sustainable development, environmental impact assessment, water resource management, waste management, forest conservation, wildlife protection, climate change, disaster management and rehabilitation, the intergenerational equity principle, and environmental taxes. Taking the impact of the1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment as the starting point, he explains the provisions of various international conventions, constitutional amendments, and legislation enacted in India to tackle the gravest problems.

He keeps the international context foregrounded throughout, and provides a valuable comparative analysis. The book examines the response of the Indian Supreme Court and various high courts to public interest litigation, and their interpretation of environmental protection as an extension of the fundamental right to life and a human right. It critically analyses the concepts evolved by the courts, including the polluter pays principle, the precautionary principle, the absolute liability principle, the public trust doctrine, and the reversal of the burden of Proof in India and in other countries, to meet challenges to the environment.