With a view to protecting and improving the environment, different legislations have been made and different regulations, rules have been issued. The Government of India, through its Ministry of Environment and Forests is administering has enacted nationwide comprehensive laws.

1972 Stockholm Declaration affirms that "Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality and adequate conditions of life, in an environment of quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and he bears a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations..." This shows that it has been internationally recognized that man's fundamental rights embraces the need to live in an uncontaminated environment but it also puts forth man's obligation to protect the environment for posterity.

The Supreme Court has laid down that the "Precautionary principle" and the "Polluter Pays Principle" are essential features of "sustainable development". These concepts are part of Environment Law of the country.