Environment and pollution control laws were seen as irksome oddities a few years ago. However with the rise in global warming and fears of climate change, there is a slow realization that there cannot be untrammeled development at the cost of the environment.

Every human activity has an impact on the environment and the government has only come alive to the fact that the environment laws have to be enforced stringently. The proactive stance taken by the Supreme court in environmental matters and setting up of a National Green Tribunal has improved matters a lot. However the implementation of “Green laws” still leaves much to be desired. Lack of infrastructure to educate people about green alternatives, the costs involved and general lack of awareness are major impediments.