In 1993, the government, through the ministry of environment and forests issued the Environment Action Program - India (EAP), developed after consultations with other ministries, states and NGOs. The EAP identified seven environmental priorities for India:
(a) conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity in selected ecosystems including forests, mangroves, wetland, coral reefs, mountain ecosystems.
(b) afforestation, wastelands development and conservation of soil and moisture and ensuring that water sources are not polluted.
(c) control of industrial and related pollution with an accent on the reduction and or management of wastes, particularly hazardous wastes.
(d) improving access to clean technologies.
(e) tackling urban environmental issues.
(f) an alternative energy plan. and,
(g) strengthening scientific understanding of environmental issues, as well as strengthening structures for training at different levels, orientation and creating environmental awareness.
A1996 study indicated that:
(a) despite a strong legal framework and various ministries at the center, departments and boards at the state level; and local agencies involved in environmental management, implementation remains weak. Institutional capacity building to strengthen monitoring, enforcement, and compliance with existing laws can have a high payoff; and
(b) the government alone cannot be responsible for environmental management, stronger efforts have to be made to involve the large nongovernmental organization community in programs ranging from biodiversity conservation to alternative energy programs. The study also recognized that this cooperation will require transparent policies and practices such as early involvement in the environmental impact assessment process, access to information, and actions to increase involvement through public participatory processes.