National Committee on Environmental Planning and Coordination was established to improve coordination in environmental policies and to integrate environmental concerns in the plans for economic development. Following the Stockholm conference on Human Environment in June 1972, it was considered appropriate to create a uniform national legal court that would tackle environmental problem.

The Indian Parliament brought into operation specific comprehensive legislation simultaneously institutionalizing the regulatory agency for controlling pollution of various categories. The function of formulating the environmental policy framework in the country is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The implementation is undertaken by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) at the Center and the State levels respectively. The Department of Environment at the state level supports the SPCBs.