Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Ecosystem and Biomes — Policy Changes
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 | 1986 | While not an 'amendment' to the Constitution, this Act is a crucial legislative development post-Bhopal Gas Tragedy, empowering the Central Government to take all necessary measures for environmental protection and improvement. It provides a comprehensive framework for regulating industrial activities, setting environmental standards, and preventing pollution, thereby safeguarding various ecosystems. | Significantly strengthened the government's ability to intervene in environmental matters, leading to the formulation of numerous rules and regulations for controlling pollution and protecting specific ecosystems like coastal zones and wetlands. It acts as an umbrella legislation for environmental governance in India. |
| Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 | 2023 | This amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, sought to clarify the applicability of the Act to certain lands, exempting specific categories of land from its purview, such as those within 100 km of India's international borders for national security projects, or small forest patches for public utility projects. It also introduced the concept of 'recorded forest land' and 'forest-like areas'. | Generated significant debate regarding its potential impact on forest ecosystems. Critics argue it could dilute forest protection by narrowing the definition of 'forest' and facilitating diversion of forest land, potentially increasing fragmentation and biodiversity loss in sensitive areas. Proponents argue it streamlines development projects and clarifies ambiguities, while still ensuring compensatory afforestation. |
| Biological Diversity Act, 2002 | 2002 | Enacted to give effect to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), this Act aims at conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources. It established a three-tier institutional structure: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). | Provided a legal framework for protecting India's rich biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. It regulates access to biological resources, prevents biopiracy, and promotes local community involvement in conservation, directly impacting the health and management of diverse ecosystems across the country. |