{"id":34067,"date":"2026-10-11T12:30:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T12:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=34067"},"modified":"2026-10-11T12:36:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T12:36:10","slug":"constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/","title":{"rendered":"Constitutional Governance in Environmental Protection: Examining State Accountability for Industrial Pollution of the Ganga"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-abstract\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Abstract\"><\/span>Abstract<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ganga River is a sacred and important water resource of India. It is considered as a symbol of purity, spirituality, and life . It is directly linked with public health, environmental sustainability, and development. But increasing pollution from industrial waste has seriously affected the quality of Ganga water and has raised questions about the effectiveness of government&#8217;s efforts to control industrial pollution .<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Abstract\" >Abstract<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Industrialisation_and_Ganga_Water_Pollution\" >Industrialisation and Ganga Water Pollution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Supreme_Court_and_Industrial_Pollution_of_the_Ganga\" >Supreme Court and Industrial Pollution of the Ganga<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Constitutional_Provisions_for_Ganga_Protection\" >Constitutional Provisions for Ganga Protection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#State_Accountability_for_Ganga_Industrial_Pollution\" >State Accountability for Ganga Industrial Pollution<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#1_Research_Problem_Research_Question\" >1. Research Problem \/ Research Question<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#The_Principal_Research_Questions\" >The Principal Research Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Additional_Research_Questions\" >Additional Research Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#2_Objectives_of_the_Study\" >2. Objectives of the Study<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#The_Specific_Goals_Are\" >The Specific Goals Are<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#3_Research_Methodology\" >3. Research Methodology<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#4_Main_Discussion_and_Legal_Analysis\" >4. Main Discussion and Legal Analysis<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#41_Right_to_Clean_Environment_Under_Article_21\" >4.1 Right to Clean Environment Under Article 21<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#42_Article_48A_The_Constitutional_Duty_of_the_State\" >4.2 Article 48A: The Constitutional Duty of the State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#43_Article_51Ag_and_Protection_of_Rivers\" >4.3 Article 51A(g) and Protection of Rivers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#5_Relevant_Statutory_and_Judicial_Analysis\" >5. Relevant Statutory and Judicial Analysis<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#51_Water_Prevention_and_Control_of_Pollution_Act_1974\" >5.1 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#52_Environment_Protection_Act_1986\" >5.2 Environment (Protection) Act 1986<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#53_MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_%E2%80%93_Ganga_Tanneries_Case\" >5.3 MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Ganga Tanneries Case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#54_MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_%E2%80%93_Municipal_Responsibility\" >5.4 MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Municipal Responsibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#55_MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_%E2%80%93_Continuing_Judicial_Supervision\" >5.5 MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Continuing Judicial Supervision<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#6_Environmental_Principles_and_State_Accountability\" >6. Environmental Principles and State Accountability<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#61_Precautionary_Principle\" >6.1 Precautionary Principle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#62_Polluter_Pays_Principle\" >6.2 Polluter Pays Principle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#7_State_Accountability_for_Industrial_Pollution\" >7. State Accountability for Industrial Pollution<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#First_Regulatory_Accountability\" >First, Regulatory Accountability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Second_Monitoring_Accountability\" >Second, Monitoring Accountability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Third_Enforcement_Accountability\" >Third, Enforcement Accountability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Key_Statutory_Provisions_and_Environmental_Principles\" >Key Statutory Provisions and Environmental Principles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#8_Findings_Observations\" >8. Findings \/ Observations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#81_Environmental_Protection_Is_Constitutionally_Recognised\" >8.1 Environmental Protection Is Constitutionally Recognised<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#82_Article_48A_Strengthens_State_Responsibility\" >8.2 Article 48A Strengthens State Responsibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#83_Existing_Legislation_Provides_Regulatory_Powers\" >8.3 Existing Legislation Provides Regulatory Powers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#84_Judicial_Intervention_Has_Been_Significant\" >8.4 Judicial Intervention Has Been Significant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#85_Judicial_Intervention_Cannot_Replace_Administration\" >8.5 Judicial Intervention Cannot Replace Administration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#86_Industrial_Pollution_Requires_Continuous_Monitoring\" >8.6 Industrial Pollution Requires Continuous Monitoring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#87_State_Accountability_Should_Be_Connected_With_Enforceable_Duties\" >8.7 State Accountability Should Be Connected With Enforceable Duties<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#9_Conclusion_and_Suggestions\" >9. Conclusion and Suggestions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Recommendations_for_Environmental_Protection_and_Pollution_Control\" >Recommendations for Environmental Protection and Pollution Control<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#State_Accountability_and_Environmental_Governance\" >State Accountability and Environmental Governance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Bibliography\" >Bibliography<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#A_Primary_Sources\" >A. Primary Sources<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Constitution\" >Constitution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Legislation\" >Legislation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#Cases\" >Cases<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/constitutional-governance-in-environmental-protection-examining-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\/#B_Secondary_Sources\" >B. Secondary Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This study examines whether the State can be held responsible for failing to meet its constitutional and legal duty to protect the Ganga from industrial pollution based on Article 21, which provides the right to live with dignity that includes the right to a clean and healthy environment and Article 48A, which imposes a duty on the State to protect and improve the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The study also analyses the State\u2019s duty to regulate industries, monitor industrial waste discharge, and effectively implement environmental standards and laws. This study maintains that the State has a primary constitutional and legal duty to prevent and control industrial pollution of the Ganga and any failure to regulate pollutant discharge constitutes a breach of constitutional duty .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The study follows afollows a doctrinal methodology based on constitutional provisions, environmental legislation, judicial decisions, government policies, and secondary sources to determine the State&#8217;s accountability for industrial pollution of the Ganga<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ganga is one of India\u2019s important rivers and it has immense ecological, social, economic and cultural significance. The Ganga supports millions of people by supplying water for drinking, farming, industry and many other human activities. The Ganga also holds religious and cultural value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the time the Ganga is a vital ecological system and the health of the Ganga directly impacts human health, aquatic life and the surrounding environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-industrialisation-and-ganga-water-pollution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Industrialisation_and_Ganga_Water_Pollution\"><\/span>Industrialisation and Ganga Water Pollution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industrialisation along the Ganga however has created environmental challenges. Industries, those that tan leather make textiles produce chemicals produce paper and carry out other manufacturing processes can produce wastewater that contains toxic substances, heavy metals organic pollutants and other contaminants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When these effluents are released into the Ganga without treatment the water quality of the Ganga gets worse and serious risks arise for human health and for the ecosystems in the Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-supreme-court-and-industrial-pollution-of-the-ganga\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supreme_Court_and_Industrial_Pollution_of_the_Ganga\"><\/span>Supreme Court and Industrial Pollution of the Ganga<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industrial pollution of the Ganga is not a problem. The Supreme Court of India handled the issue in a landmark case started by MC Mehta. In MC Mehta v Union of India about tanneries at Jajmau near Kanpur the Court recognised the effects of industrial effluents on the Ganga and ordered industries to set up treatment facilities before sending their waste into the Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court said that life, health and ecology of the Ganga were more important than the benefits that might come from keeping polluting industries open.[1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-constitutional-provisions-for-ganga-protection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Provisions_for_Ganga_Protection\"><\/span>Constitutional Provisions for Ganga Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The constitutional side of protection has grown a lot through court decisions. Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty and the Supreme Court has interpreted this right in a way to include the right to live in a pollution-free environment of the Ganga. Article 48A tells the State to protect and improve the environment and Article 51A(g) gives citizens a duty to protect and improve the environment, including rivers like the Ganga.[2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the problem of Ganga pollution is not an environmental or administrative concern. It brings up a question about the State\u2019s duty to protect public health, ecological resources and the basic rights of people in relation to the Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-state-accountability-for-ganga-industrial-pollution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"State_Accountability_for_Ganga_Industrial_Pollution\"><\/span>State Accountability for Ganga Industrial Pollution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article looks at whether weak regulation, poor monitoring and lax enforcement, by government bodies concerning pollution of the Ganga could mean that the State has failed to meet its constitutional and legal duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-1-research-problem-research-question\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Research_Problem_Research_Question\"><\/span>1. Research Problem \/ Research Question<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main research problem arises from the continuing gap between environmental law on paper and environmental protection in the practice. India has large legal framework for controlling water pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 creates bodies to regulate and prohibits certain kinds of pollution. The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 provides the Central Government with broad powers to protect and improve environmental quality. Constitutional provisions also reinforce protection. With all this industrial pollution still worries people in the Ganga basin. This raises an important legal question: If enough environmental laws exist but pollution continues because of weak implementation, monitoring or enforcement, how much can the State be held responsible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-principal-research-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Principal_Research_Questions\"><\/span>The Principal Research Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether the constitutional right to life under Article 21 includes a right to clean and healthy water and environment in the context of Ganga pollution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether Articles 48A and 51A(g), with Article 21, impose constitutional responsibilities upon the State concerning protection of the Ganga.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 provide an adequate statutory framework for controlling industrial pollution.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-additional-research-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Research_Questions\"><\/span>Additional Research Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 provide an enough legal framework to control industrial pollution? The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 are central to this question.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can the failure of authorities to regulate, monitor and enforce environmental standards be considered a breach of constitutional and legal obligations? The governmental authorities must keep the environment safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do the existing judicial decisions give a basis for holding industries and public authorities accountable, for pollution of the Ganga? The Ganga and the judicial decisions play a role.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-2-objectives-of-the-study\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Objectives_of_the_Study\"><\/span>2. Objectives of the Study<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main goal of this study is to look into the duty that the State has under the Constitution and the laws when it comes to pollution from industries in the Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-specific-goals-are\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Specific_Goals_Are\"><\/span>The Specific Goals Are<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To look into how Article 21 connects with the right to an healthy environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To study how Articles 48A and 51A(g) are important in taking care of the environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To examine the rules and laws that control pollution from industries, in water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To study court cases that deal with pollution in the Ganga.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To look into the duty of State authorities when it comes to watching over and making sure environmental rules are followed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To find out where there is a difference between the laws made about the environment and how those laws are actually used in life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To come up with ideas for making the State more responsible and better at protecting the Ganga.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-3-research-methodology\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Research_Methodology\"><\/span>3. Research Methodology<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This research used doctrinal legal research methodology. The study is based on legal materials such as constitutional provisions, statutes, court rulings, government policies and other reliable legal sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Constitution of India, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and other related environmental laws are the primary sources. Judicial decisions from the Supreme Court of India on protection, water pollution, Article 21 and the Ganga are also reviewed. Special attention is paid to the cases of MC Mehta v Union of India, Subhash Kumar v State of Bihar and Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secondary sources like books, academic papers, reports and scholarly writings are used to understand how environmental law has evolved and to identify challenges in its implementation. The research is analytical not empirical. It does not include surveys, interviews or fieldwork. The focus is on reviewing the existing framework and assessing how far constitutional and statutory duties require the State to be accountable, for industrial pollution of the Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-4-main-discussion-and-legal-analysis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Main_Discussion_and_Legal_Analysis\"><\/span>4. Main Discussion and Legal Analysis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-1-right-to-clean-environment-under-article-21\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"41_Right_to_Clean_Environment_Under_Article_21\"><\/span>4.1 Right to Clean Environment Under Article 21<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 21 says no one can deprive another\u2019s life and personal liberty unless they follow the rules set up by the law. Although this provision did not explicitly include clean surroundings as an aspect of the right to live, the Supreme Court made interpretations about this fundamental right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though this right seems to focus on ensuring someone survives physically, its true essence lies in allowing people to enjoy their lives fully. Therefore, environmental issues are important in terms of ensuring individuals enjoy their rights. For example, pollution in both water and air affects health negatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of Subhash Kumar v State of Bihar,[3] the Supreme Court recognised that the right to life included the right to enjoyment of pollution-free water and air, which is particularly relevant for the Ganga as millions of persons depend on this river either directly or indirectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pollution due to industry has impacts on drinking water, agriculture, fisheries and public health. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine that serious pollution of Ganga waters by industry is inconsequential to the rights of individuals or the State. Where there are effects on the health and ecological condition caused by pollution, the fundamental right guaranteed by Article 21 could have implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In MC Mehta v Union of India [4], the constitutional dimension of environmental protection was elaborated upon further. The Court recognized the need for stopping industrial effluent going into Ganga waterways and ordered that polluting industries must create facilities to treat their waste material before discharging it into such rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 21 establishes a constitutional basis of environmental protection, and environmental legislation determines an institutional and regulatory mechanism of its implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-2-article-48a-the-constitutional-duty-of-the-state\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"42_Article_48A_The_Constitutional_Duty_of_the_State\"><\/span>4.2 Article 48A: The Constitutional Duty of the State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The article (48A) was inserted in the Constitution through the Forty Second Amendment Act, 1976 and stipulates that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though the article falls within the purview of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are not independently enforceable on the lines of Fundamental Rights, this provision holds a lot of significance from a constitutional importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The provision provides for making environmental protection one of the objects of governance at a constitutional level, indicating that this is not just an object of policy preferences. Instead, it forms a key component of the constitutional vision of the State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MC Mehta v Union of India is an example of where the Supreme Court has invoked Article 48A while deliberating upon the issue of pollution on the Ganga, acknowledging the constitutional relevance of environmental protection. [5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, when there are failures on the side of governmental authorities for effective regulation of industrial pollutions, this has to be taken into consideration with regard to constitutional responsibility which imposes obligation of State under Article 48A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-3-article-51a-g-and-protection-of-rivers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"43_Article_51Ag_and_Protection_of_Rivers\"><\/span>4.3 Article 51A(g) and Protection of Rivers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Article 51A(g), which states:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including the forest, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This provision explicitly refers to rivers. In particular, to Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Article 51A(g) creates a duty for citizens, this provision should also reinforce our general constitutional commitment for environment preservation. However, such article does not imply shifting of the main task of regulation on individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In particular, governmental authorities have various legislative, administrative, financial and institutional powers which are absent in case of individual citizen. Therefore, duties of both citizens and State should work hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On one hand, people should take care of avoiding environmentally harmful conducts; on another hand, the government needs creating and enforcing some effective regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-5-relevant-statutory-and-judicial-analysis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Relevant_Statutory_and_Judicial_Analysis\"><\/span>5. Relevant Statutory and Judicial Analysis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-1-water-prevention-and-control-of-pollution-act-1974\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"51_Water_Prevention_and_Control_of_Pollution_Act_1974\"><\/span>5.1 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 is among the principal laws on controlling water pollution in India. It aims at preventing and controlling water pollution, maintaining or restoring its wholesomeness by creating Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards with assigned regulatory functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Special mention must be made of the role played by the various State Pollution Control Boards in this process. They have been entrusted with the task of implementing pollution control requirements at their respective State levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 24 of the Water Act, which prohibits use of streams or wells for disposal of polluting matter in certain situations, and sections 25 and 26 on setting up new outlets and discharge of sewage or trade effluent constitute important provisions under these statutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It will be clear from the above discussion that the regulatory framework has imposed substantial responsibilities on industries to get necessary consents as well as ensure compliance with pollution control requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But as noted above, this will not be sufficient by itself &#8211; effective environmental governance needs to include inspection, monitoring, sampling, prosecution etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if we find that there are repeated violations by an industry and the relevant agencies do not act, what does that tell us about the role (or lack thereof) of the state?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-2-environment-protection-act-1986\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"52_Environment_Protection_Act_1986\"><\/span>5.2 Environment (Protection) Act 1986<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Environment (Protection) Act 1986 provides a wide frame work for environment protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to section 3 the central government has power to take measure for the protection and improvement of environmetnal quality. Section 5 provide empowerment to central govt to give direction to those people, officer and authorities. This include closing down, prohibiting or regulating any industry operation or process [6].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to above mentioned provisions, Section 7 also provides for prohibition of discharge or emission of environmental pollutants by those carrying out certain industries\/operation\/processes exceeding prescribed standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The importance of the legislation is that since environmental issues sometimes require a holistic rather than piecemeal regulatory approaches and as industrial activity can have multiple impacts (on water, air, soil, ecosystems etc.), this Act creates an extra-legal means for Central Government intervention whenever environmental standards get violated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-3-mc-mehta-v-union-of-india-ganga-tanneries-case\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"53_MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_%E2%80%93_Ganga_Tanneries_Case\"><\/span>5.3 MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Ganga Tanneries Case<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision in this case is pivotal for the understanding of the law relating to Ganga pollution. The petition dealt with industrial establishments (particularly tanneries near Kanpur) discharging trade effluents into Ganga waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upon considering the effect of such effluents on the river and its dependents, the court took up a stand against continued pollution of Ganga by stating that industries need to set up primary treatment plant before discharging industrial effluents, thereby holding that \u201cindustries cannot go on polluting [the river] just because [pollution-control] things are expensive\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court made it very clear that economic considerations should never override those relating to life, health and ecology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The importance of this case can be seen from various angles. On one hand, it establishes that industries are legally responsible for preventing harmful discharge. On the other, it shows the responsibilities held by governmental agencies when enforcing these laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Court had also directed that such directions were to be enforced by relevant governmental as well as pollution control authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This case shows us that environmental protection needs both private compliances and public enforcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-4-mc-mehta-v-union-of-india-municipal-responsibility\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"54_MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_%E2%80%93_Municipal_Responsibility\"><\/span>5.4 MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Municipal Responsibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was during the subsequent 1988 proceedings on pollution from municipal authorities and sewage systems in Kanpur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Noting some very serious problems with regard to sewerage and sewage disposal, the Supreme Court said that the municipal authorities should make efforts to check pollution of the Ganga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This case illustrates that the burden of protecting the environment cannot rest solely on industry. Public agencies may themselves be responsible for environmental degradation due to their administrative inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure or non-performance of statutory duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although this article concentrates on the contribution of industry to pollution, it should be noted that maintenance of the general health of river such as the Ganga involves concerted efforts by various sectors, including industries, municipal corporations, pollution control bodies and governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-5-mc-mehta-v-union-of-india-continuing-judicial-supervision\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"55_MC_Mehta_v_Union_of_India_%E2%80%93_Continuing_Judicial_Supervision\"><\/span>5.5 MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Continuing Judicial Supervision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The litigation has been ongoing for some years now with the court considering issues such as industrial pollution elsewhere in the country and directing relocation\/closure of polluting industries when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, in the 1996 case dealing with the relocation of tanneries the Supreme Court also said \u201cthose which cause environmental damages can be compelled to spend money on restoration.\u201d [7]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, as this case has been ongoing for years, its history also highlights another key problem in terms of environmental governance &#8211; namely that although judicial decisions may force actors to comply with legal requirements, only well functioning administrative institutions will ensure long term environmental protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-6-environmental-principles-and-state-accountability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Environmental_Principles_and_State_Accountability\"><\/span>6. Environmental Principles and State Accountability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-1-precautionary-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"61_Precautionary_Principle\"><\/span>6.1 Precautionary Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order for the precautionary principle to be applied, environmental authorities are expected to take action prior to the infliction of irreversible environmental harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its case on Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the precautionary principle was an important element in sustainable development and Indian environmental law. [8]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court recognised the precautionary principle and polluter-pays principle as essential features of sustainable development and part of Indian environmental law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;The Court further emphasized the need to anticipate and prevent environmental degradation\u2026Scientific uncertainty cannot constitute grounds for deferring preventive measures if there are threats of serious or irreversible damage,\u201d the ruling said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What does all this mean for the Ganga? It implies that the regulatory authorities do not have to wait till pollution causes a catastrophe. They can ensure continuous monitoring of industrial discharges, and address problems at an earlier stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-6-2-polluter-pays-principle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"62_Polluter_Pays_Principle\"><\/span>6.2 Polluter Pays Principle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cpolluter pays\u201d principle means that the person who causes pollution should pay its costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the concept extended beyond providing compensation to affected people and included the costs needed to restore an ecology ravaged by pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The principle is especially important for issues of industrial pollution &#8211; where industries benefit economically from environmentally harmful activities but may pass on these environmental costs to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The application of this principle does not absolve states from their responsibilities \u2013 they need to set up an effective regulatory regime to identify pollution, apportion liability and ensure compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-7-state-accountability-for-industrial-pollution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_State_Accountability_for_Industrial_Pollution\"><\/span>7. State Accountability for Industrial Pollution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are three aspect of state accountability:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-first-regulatory-accountability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"First_Regulatory_Accountability\"><\/span>First, Regulatory Accountability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Government authorities shall set up proper environmental standards and conditions for operation of industries. Pollution-control authorities shall take appropriate steps to ensure that industries have the necessary consent and comply with prescribed standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-second-monitoring-accountability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Second_Monitoring_Accountability\"><\/span>Second, Monitoring Accountability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is therefore essential that environmental standards should have an efficient mechanism for their implementation. Environmental standards can only be useful if they are implemented properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The responsibility for implementing these standards lies with the authorities. They need to monitor the situation by inspecting, collecting samples, examining treatment facilities keeping proper records and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In case there is no such mechanism then industries will find ways to pollute unimpededly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-third-enforcement-accountability\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Third_Enforcement_Accountability\"><\/span>Third, Enforcement Accountability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such authorities shall then take such actions as they deem appropriate including giving notices of violation, imposition penalties, directions for taking corrective measures, prosecution and where necessary suspending\/revoking consents &amp; closure of industries etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this regard the Ganga Jurisprudence of Supreme Court indicates that unless such powers and obligations of Regulatory Authorities are discharged Environmental Laws cannot work effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But mere presence of pollution doesn\u2019t mean that each instance of pollution will constitute Constitutional Violation on part of state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operation of Industries involves an intricate web of Regulations which may lead to incidental environment degradation even after fulfilling all the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A better Legal Ground would be to hold the State accountable for Non performance on its Legal &amp; Constitutional Obligations, especially when Authorities knowingly Neglect their duties leading to Violation of Statutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-statutory-provisions-and-environmental-principles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Statutory_Provisions_and_Environmental_Principles\"><\/span>Key Statutory Provisions and Environmental Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Legislation or Principle<\/th><th>Relevant Provision or Concept<\/th><th>Significance for Environmental Accountability<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974<\/td><td>Sections 24, 25 and 26<\/td><td>Addresses the prohibition of certain polluting discharges and requirements relating to new outlets and sewage or trade effluent.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Environment (Protection) Act 1986<\/td><td>Sections 3, 5 and 7<\/td><td>Provides for environmental protection measures, government directions and restrictions on pollutant discharges exceeding prescribed standards.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Ganga Tanneries Case<\/td><td>Industrial effluent treatment<\/td><td>Highlights industrial responsibility and the enforcement role of governmental and pollution control authorities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MC Mehta v Union of India \u2013 Municipal Responsibility<\/td><td>Sewage systems and municipal duties<\/td><td>Highlights the responsibilities of public authorities in preventing river pollution.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Precautionary Principle<\/td><td>Preventive environmental action<\/td><td>Supports early intervention to prevent serious or irreversible environmental harm.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Polluter Pays Principle<\/td><td>Pollution costs and environmental restoration<\/td><td>Places the costs of pollution and restoration on those responsible, without removing the state&#8217;s regulatory obligations.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-8-findings-observations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Findings_Observations\"><\/span>8. Findings \/ Observations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The doctrinal analysis produces important findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-1-environmental-protection-is-constitutionally-recognised\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"81_Environmental_Protection_Is_Constitutionally_Recognised\"><\/span>8.1 Environmental Protection Is Constitutionally Recognised<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the Constitution does not expressly contain a fundamental right titled &#8216;right to clean environment&#8217; judicial interpretation of Article 21 has incorporated environmental quality into the protection of life and personal liberty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-2-article-48a-strengthens-state-responsibility\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"82_Article_48A_Strengthens_State_Responsibility\"><\/span>8.2 Article 48A Strengthens State Responsibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 48A provides a direction requiring the State to protect and improve the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore environmental governance forms part of the responsibilities of government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-3-existing-legislation-provides-regulatory-powers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"83_Existing_Legislation_Provides_Regulatory_Powers\"><\/span>8.3 Existing Legislation Provides Regulatory Powers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Water Act 1974 and Environment Protection Act 1986 provide significant legal mechanisms for preventing and controlling industrial pollution. The primary difficulty is therefore not necessarily the absence of law. It is often the gap between standards and implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-4-judicial-intervention-has-been-significant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"84_Judicial_Intervention_Has_Been_Significant\"><\/span>8.4 Judicial Intervention Has Been Significant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Supreme Court has played a role, in protecting the Ganga through public-interest litigation. The MC Mehta cases demonstrate that courts can require industries and governmental authorities to take measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-5-judicial-intervention-cannot-replace-administration\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"85_Judicial_Intervention_Cannot_Replace_Administration\"><\/span>8.5 Judicial Intervention Cannot Replace Administration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While courts can give directions and ensure their implementation, it will be impossible to provide long term protection for this river if there are no functional regulatory institutions for the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-6-industrial-pollution-requires-continuous-monitoring\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"86_Industrial_Pollution_Requires_Continuous_Monitoring\"><\/span>8.6 Industrial Pollution Requires Continuous Monitoring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry should ensure that where they have established treatment facilities these are functioning and effective. Monitoring should assess their actual discharge rather than merely looking at whether there has been compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-8-7-state-accountability-should-be-connected-with-enforceable-duties\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"87_State_Accountability_Should_Be_Connected_With_Enforceable_Duties\"><\/span>8.7 State Accountability Should Be Connected With Enforceable Duties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We believe that the most sound foundation of state accountability arises from non-performance of specific constitutional or statutory responsibilities. In this way we seek to strike a balance between judicial review and administrative decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-9-conclusion-and-suggestions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Conclusion_and_Suggestions\"><\/span>9. Conclusion and Suggestions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The situation reflects at the same time the tension among several important values \u2013 environmental protection, public health, constitutional rights and State responsibilities. While there is no doubt about the constitutional legitimacy of protecting the Ganga\u2019s environment from industrial pollution, there remain serious challenges in enforcing this responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On one hand, the constitutional basis for protecting the environment is clear. Articles 21, 48A, 51A(g), and others set out principles such that environmental degradation may rightly be considered a violation of constitutional rights. On the other hand, the legal instruments dealing specifically with the management of water pollution and related activities, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, reflect an elaborate legislative approach toward managing environmental issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even more encouragingly, Indian courts have shown themselves ready to enforce constitutional obligations relating to the Ganga\u2019s preservation by addressing issues such as the role of industry on multiple occasions in the landmark \u2018MC Mehta\u2019 judgements. And yet, the persistence of pollution points to the necessity of more rigorous efforts in implementing existing regulations through improved monitoring, effective compliance and enhanced accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To implement these requirements, we suggest five specific measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-recommendations-for-environmental-protection-and-pollution-control\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommendations_for_Environmental_Protection_and_Pollution_Control\"><\/span>Recommendations for Environmental Protection and Pollution Control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Recommendation<\/th><th>Proposed Measure<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>First<\/td><td>Pollution-control authorities could develop a system of continuous and transparent monitoring of significant industrial units that discharge their wastes into the Ganga.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Second<\/td><td>Industries should be legally required to operate functional effluent treatment system.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Third<\/td><td>The state needs to make available all environmental data regarding industrial discharge to the public domain, thereby increasing transparency.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fourth<\/td><td>Pollution Control Boards need additional technical personnel, laboratories and enforcement capacities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fifth<\/td><td>Regulatory authorities need to adopt the precautionary principle and intervene proactively before pollution causes irreparable harm to the ecology.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sixth<\/td><td>Application of the polluter-pays principle needs to ensure that the costs of environmental restoration are not passed on to taxpayers or those impacted by degradation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seventh<\/td><td>Coordination between the Central and State Governments, the Pollution Control Boards, and local authorities, as well as institutions entrusted with conserving the Ganga, has to be enhanced.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-state-accountability-and-environmental-governance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"State_Accountability_and_Environmental_Governance\"><\/span>State Accountability and Environmental Governance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, this principle does not imply that the State would always be automatically liable for all instances of environmental degradation but rather implies that government agencies would now have the possibility of being made legally accountable if they failed to execute their constitutionally\/statutorily assigned duties to exercise regulatory, monitoring and enforcement activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to protect the Ganga, there must be an appropriate mix-up between the creation of constitutional rights, statute based regulation, judicial supervision, efficient administration and industry responsibility. While such a legal structure already exists, the issue lies with ensuring that these legal duties result in a coherent approach towards achieving effective environment governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-bibliography\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bibliography\"><\/span>Bibliography<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-a-primary-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Primary_Sources\"><\/span>A. Primary Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-constitution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitution\"><\/span>Constitution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Constitution of India 1950, arts 21, 48A and 51A(g).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-legislation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legislation\"><\/span>Legislation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environment (Protection) Act 1986.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Green Tribunal Act 2010.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-cases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cases\"><\/span>Cases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MC Mehta v Union of India (1987) 4 SCC 463.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MC Mehta v Union of India (1988) 1 SCC 471.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MC Mehta v Union of India 1997 (2) SCC 411.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subhash Kumar v State of Bihar (1991) 1 SCC 598.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India (1996) 5 SCC 647.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v Union of India (1996) 3 SCC 212.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-b-secondary-sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Secondary_Sources\"><\/span>B. Secondary Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shyam Divan and Armin Rosencranz, Environmental Law and Policy in India (2nd edn, Oxford University Press 2001).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>P Leelakrishnan, Environmental Law in India (7th edn, LexisNexis 2022).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>S Shantakumar, Environmental Law: An Introduction (Eastern Book Company).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Mission for Clean Ganga, Government of India, materials concerning conservation and management of the River Ganga.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Central Pollution Control Board, reports and materials concerning water-quality monitoring and pollution control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MC Mehta v Union of India (1987) 4 SCC 463. The Supreme Court considered the discharge of industrial effluents by tanneries near Kanpur and directed polluting tanneries to establish treatment facilities before continuing their operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constitution of India 1950, arts 21, 48A and 51A(g). Article 48A expressly requires the State to endeavour to protect and improve the environment, while art 51A(g) refers specifically to protection of rivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subhash Kumar v State of Bihar (1991) 1 SCC 598.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MC Mehta v Union of India (1987) 4 SCC 463. The Court recognised the serious effects of industrial effluents on the Ganga and directed enforcement of pollution-control requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ibid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environment (Protection) Act 1986, ss 3, 5 and 7. Section 5 permits the Central Government to issue directions including directions for closure, prohibition or regulation of an industry or operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MC Mehta v Union of India 1997 (2) SCC 411. The proceedings concerned industrial pollution and relocation of tanneries, with the Court applying environmental restoration and polluter-pays principles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v Union of India (1996) 5 SCC 647.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/growing-pollution-in-india-a-constitutional-law-article-21\/\">Growing Pollution in India: A Constitutional Law Perspective under Article 21<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/environment-protection-act-1986-analysis-landmark-cases-india\/\">Environment Protection Act, 1986: Complete Analysis, Objectives, Landmark Cases &amp; Environmental Laws in India<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/role-of-strategic-litigation-and-public-interest-litigation-pil-in-shaping-indian-environmental-laws\/\">Strategic Litigation And public Interest Litigation (PIL)-Its Effect On Indian Environment Laws<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/industrial-design-registration-india\/\">Industrial Design Registration in India: A Complete Overview<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/women-and-environmental-justice-in-india-climate-change-resource-access-and-gendered-sustainability\/\">Women and Environmental Justice in India: Climate Change, Resource Access, and Gendered Sustainability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abstract The Ganga River is a sacred and important water resource of India. It is considered as a symbol of purity, spirituality, and life . It is directly linked with public health, environmental sustainability, and development. But increasing pollution from industrial waste has seriously affected the quality of Ganga water and has raised questions about<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1924,"featured_media":34117,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[11058,3217,28],"class_list":["post-34067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environmental-law","tag-constitutional-law","tag-environmental-law-2","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - 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