Describe a Law on Environmental Protection Cue Card

How would the law work?

An unmeasurable amount of plastic waste gets discarded at the landfill sites day in and out. Being non-biodegradable, it takes a lot of time to break down and tends to accumulate as waste over a long period of time. Thus, it releases very harmful toxins which have an adverse effect on the health of birds and animals who inhabit the landfill and the surrounding areas. To overcome this challenge, the Government of India decided to pass a law completely forbidding the use of plastic bags. This is a conscious effort to keep the environment clean. The citizens were asked to carry their own bags usually of jute, or cloth which are eco-friendly to curb the use of plastic in their everyday lives. In addition to this, the Government asked the people to propagate the agenda of saying ‘no to plastic’. With the vision to gradually ban the use of plastic completely. Plastic is also responsible for doing away with the aesthetic of parks, riversides, etc. and bus stops.

What improvements/changes would result from the said law?

In order to enforce this law, the Courts also prescribed stringent punishments for violating the said law. If anyone is spotted using plastic bags, they shall be fined an amount of five thousand rupees, and shopkeepers. These people keep plastic keeps will be fined a hefty amount of twenty thousand rupees. It is because of such a strict penalty, people started avoiding plastic bags and switching to other options.

Why would you like to see this law operating/ why is it required?

This small but thoughtful change has indeed resulted in a considerable decline of the waste produced, helping in promoting greenery and cleanliness. I hope that more such laws relating to the protection of the environment get implemented soon too.

How would the law work?

In addition to this, there is another law that I would like to put forward which is the protection of trees. I came across this law in an article during my research work for a project. The law mentions that no individual can cut a tree if the same is not in their private land. Anyone found violating the provisions of this law shall be fined and sentenced to non-bailable jail for 2 years. Just as the famous quote goes, “when the last tree dies, the last man dies.”

What improvements/changes would result from the said law?

The significance behind this law is self-explanatory. Millions of trees were being chopped for various purposes like construction, urbanization, and some even fell to death due to natural disasters. This has led to an increase in carbon dioxide in the surrounding air in comparison to oxygen. Large stretches of forest land which maintain the balance of nature have been removed to promote industrialization. Similarly, large glaciers in the polar regions also melt, creating floods and causing damage to many human-inhabited areas. Moreover, trees are not only the habitat for various birds but also shelter many animals and help to maintain the food chain. Therefore, the extinction of trees can be severely injurious to mankind.

Why would you like to see this law operating/ why is it required?

This law was much needed for the preservation of natural resources. These trees are exhaustively overutilized without giving much thought and offering protection. This is necessary in order to continue life on earth without chaos.

How would the law work?

The Mayor of Hanoi should start placing trash bins at almost every corner of the street so that people will not throw garbage anywhere, anytime. Despite this measure, if people are still seen littering the streets then they should be heavily fined which will also set an example for others to not do the same. This will not only help to reduce the expenditure pertaining to cleaning but also assist in maintaining the beauty of the scenery.

What improvements/changes would result from the said law?

The environmental experts and officers should organize campaigns to educate the population on separating the garbage into different bags before discarding it. Unclassified and biodegradable waste contributes to a significant extent to polluting the groundwater as well as other water resources. Even though these are small steps towards making the environment cleaner but when done on a collective level these will yield results and make a powerful change.

Why would you like to see this law operating/ why is it required?

This law on the environment is resulting in a substantial decline in the amount of waste produced. It is also keeping the environment clean and green. I hope there will be more laws that will be implemented to save the environment in the future.