Environmental policy refers to the set of principles, intentions, and practices enacted by governments and institutions to manage human impacts on the environment. It is a structured framework designed to regulate interactions between society and the natural world, ensuring the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. Environmental policy encompasses laws, regulations, and action plans that aim to reduce pollution, promote biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems, and address issues such as climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and urban pollution. These policies guide governmental interventions in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, urban planning, and energy, to foster environmentally responsible development. In the Indian context, environmental policy has evolved over decades in response to growing ecological degradation and increasing environmental awareness. India’s environmental policy framework is grounded in its Constitution, which emphasizes the responsibility of both the State and citizens in environmental protection. Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Article 51A(g) obligates citizens to protect and improve the natural environment. The *National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006* is the cornerstone of India's comprehensive approach to environmental governance. It was introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as a response to the growing environmental challenges linked to urbanization, industrialization, and resource exploitation. NEP 2006 builds upon earlier policies such as the National Forest Policy (1988), the National Conservation Strategy (1992), and the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution (1992). The NEP 2006 has several objectives that align with sustainable development and ecological integrity. These include: 1. Conservation of Critical Environmental Resources: The policy emphasizes preserving vital ecosystems and life-support systems, including forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and biodiversity hotspots. It promotes in-situ conservation through protected areas and ex-situ conservation through gene banks and botanical gardens. 2. Intra- and Inter-generational Equity: The NEP advocates