Environmental Regulation Lagging Behind

The 141 page Report of THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS SECTOR
FOR THE ELEVENTH FIVE YEAR PLAN (2007-2012)prepared by Planning Commission
in March, 2007 deals with Environment and Development and refers to "The regulatory challenge" and states:

"In the past some years, intensive economic growth, which has increased economic
wealth, has led to massive pollution and degradation of the natural environment. One of the main reasons for this is that the regulatory and Institutional framework to control pollution and degradation of natural resources is unable to keep pace with the rapidly changing economic, social and environmental situation in the country."

"The number of polluting activities -- and the quantum of pollution generated -- has increased in the last several years. Furthermore, newer and newer environmental challenges are thrown up – from solid waste disposal, to disposal and recycling of hazardous waste, to toxins like mercury, dioxins and activities like ship-breaking to management of vehicular pollution."