Hazardous Waste Management: A Need to Curb Ground Pollution

India is the second most populous country, which has about 16% of the world population and 2.5% of the land area. Rapid industrialization in last few decades has led to the depletion of precious natural resources in India. Further, the industrial developments have also led to the generation of huge quantities of hazardous wastes, which have aggravated the environmental problems in the country by polluting natural resources. Therefore, rational and sustainable utilization of natural resources and its protection from toxic releases is vital for sustainable socio-economic development. Hazardous waste management is a new concept for most of the Asian countries including India. The lack of technical and financial resources and the regulatory control for management of hazardous wastes in past had led to the unscientific disposal of hazardous wastes in India, which have posed serious risks to human, animal and plant life. India is the first country that has made constitutional provisions for protection and improvement of the environment. Article 48-A of Indian Constitution empowers the State to take steps for protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding the forest and wild life of the Country. Under Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution, one of the fundamental duties of every citizen of India is to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures. The research methodology adopted will be doctrinal in nature including the principles of applied and fundamental research. The literature review shall include a study of various books and articles of eminent authors and jurists expert in the field of environment law. A perusal of the fact that how the correct utilization of natural resources today can help the upcoming generation will be done in light of decided case laws and legal provisions.