National Environment Policy (India)

The National Environment Policy seeks to extend the coverage, and fill in gaps based on existing environmental polices, in light of present knowledge and accumulated experience. 

The objectives of the National Environment Policy are: 

• Conservation of critical environmental resources
• Intra-generational equity (livelihood for the poor)
• Inter-generational equity
• Integration of environmental concerns in economic and social development
• Efficiency in environmental resource use
• Environmental governance
• Enhancement of resources for environmental conservation

The Policy is a response to the national commitment to a clean environment, mandated in the Constitution. The National Environment Policy is intended to be a guide to action, in regulatory reform, programmes and projects for environmental conservation; and review and enactment of legislation, by agencies of the Central, State, and Local Governments. The policy also seeks to stimulate partnerships of different stakeholders, i.e. public agencies, local communities, academic and scientific institutions, the investment community, and international development partners, in harnessing their respective resources and strengths for environmental management.