Explain in detail the responsibilities of Business as well as Government with regard to environment protection. Critically evaluate the outcome of the steps taken by both of the parties in this regard.

Responsibilities of Business towards Environmental Protection

Businesses have a multifaceted responsibility towards environmental protection, extending beyond mere legal compliance. These responsibilities can be categorized as follows:

• Minimizing Pollution: Reducing emissions, waste generation, and effluent discharge through cleaner production technologies and waste management practices.
• Resource Conservation: Efficiently utilizing natural resources, promoting recycling, and adopting circular economy models.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Ensuring that raw materials are sourced responsibly, minimizing deforestation and biodiversity loss.
• Product Stewardship: Taking responsibility for the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle, from design to disposal.
• Environmental Reporting & Transparency: Disclosing environmental performance data to stakeholders and adhering to environmental standards like ISO 14001.

Responsibilities of Government towards Environmental Protection

The government’s role is to create a conducive environment for environmental protection through policy, regulation, and enforcement. Key responsibilities include:

• Legislative Framework: Enacting and enforcing environmental laws such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• Setting Standards & Regulations: Establishing emission standards, effluent discharge limits, and environmental quality standards.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Mandating EIA for development projects to assess their potential environmental impacts.
• Promoting Green Technologies: Providing incentives for the adoption of cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources.
• Conservation of Natural Resources: Protecting forests, wildlife, and biodiversity through national parks, sanctuaries, and conservation programs.
• International Cooperation: Participating in international environmental agreements and initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Steps Taken by Businesses and Government & Critical Evaluation

Both businesses and the government have taken steps towards environmental protection, but the outcomes have been mixed.

Party	Steps Taken	Outcome & Critical Evaluation
Businesses	Adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability. Implementation of energy efficiency measures. Investment in renewable energy projects.	While CSR spending on environmental projects has increased (as per Ministry of Corporate Affairs data, approximately ₹5,000 crore was spent on environmental projects in FY22-23), its impact is often limited by a lack of transparency and accountability. Greenwashing remains a concern. Adoption of renewable energy is growing, but still heavily reliant on government subsidies.
Government	National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) launched in 2008 with eight national missions. ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (2014) focusing on sanitation and waste management. National Green Tribunal (NGT) established in 2010 for speedy environmental dispute resolution. Amendments to environmental laws to streamline processes.	NAPCC has faced challenges in implementation due to funding constraints and inter-ministerial coordination issues. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has significantly improved sanitation coverage, but waste management infrastructure remains inadequate. The NGT has been effective in addressing environmental violations, but its orders are often challenged in higher courts. Streamlining environmental clearances has been criticized for potentially compromising environmental safeguards.
Both	Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) through subsidies and infrastructure development (FAME India scheme).	EV adoption is increasing, but remains constrained by high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and concerns about battery disposal. The scheme has been extended multiple times, indicating ongoing challenges.

Challenges & Shortcomings: Despite these efforts, India faces significant environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. A major shortcoming is the weak enforcement of environmental regulations, often due to corruption and lack of capacity. There is also a lack of public awareness and participation in environmental protection efforts. The focus often remains on end-of-pipe solutions rather than preventative measures.