The EPA was passed in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, in 1984 and provides a framework for environmental protection in India. The EPA gives the Central Government power to protect and improve environmental quality and prevent environmental pollution. The EPA establishes standards for the emission and discharge of pollutants and gives authority to close, prohibit, or regulate any industry or operation. The Act enables the establishment of environmental laboratories and the appointment of government analysts. The Act has been amended various times to accommodate laws because of developing times.
Environment Protection (Second Amendment) Rules, 1999 which introduced noise pollution standards and set limits for ambient air quality standards, Environment Protection Amendment Rules, 2018 where stricter standards were introduced and updated emission norms for various industries. EPA, 2021 modified rules regarding plastic waste management, and introduced new regulations for battery waste management. EPA 2022 updated regulations for e-waste management and modified rules for handling various hazardous substances.
The penalties, violations can result in imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine up to 1 Lakh Rs and an additional continuing fine of 5000 Rs if violations are continuing.

The Act was enacted to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution, and protect and improve air quality. The Act establishes Pollution Control Boards as well as implements air quality standards. The act has established central and state pollution control boards, these boards have powers to inspect, test, and regulate polluting activities and the authority to declare air pollution control areas. It covers both Industrial and domestic air pollution, provides the framework for vehicular pollution control, and mandates environmental laboratories.
Amendments, 1987 (Enhanced penalties for violations and strengthened enforcement mechanisms), 2015 amendment (Updated emission standards and revised the penalty provisions ).
Penalties.
Imprisonment for up to 6 years for violations, fines up to 10,000 and an additional fine of 5,000 per day for continuing violations.

An Act that provides for the prevention of control of water pollution maintaining and restoring of water, by creating Central and State pollution control boards with the power to regulate contamination. The boards are empowered to set quality water standards, monitor industrial effluents, restrict polluting activities, and take legal action against violators. The key provisions include mandatory consent for establishing industries near water bodies, prohibition of waste discharge without treatment, and the ability to conduct inspections and take samples. The Act imposes significant penalties for non-compliance, including imprisonment of up to six years and substantial fines. It covers both agricultural and industrial pollution. Various amendments were made to the Act in 1987 where the penalties were strengthened, enhanced powers of pollution control boards and emergency measures for pollution control, again in 2003 updated water quality standards, modified consent management procedures. The 2012 amendment strengthened monitoring mechanisms, enhanced penalties for continued violations, and updated testing procedures. The 2017 amendment modified industrial effluent standards and revised administrative procedures and the 2024 amendment decriminalizes several violations and instead imposes penalties. It will initially apply to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the union territories. Other states may pass resolutions to extend its applicability to their states.