Unit 1: Concept of Environment and Pollution 1.1 Meaning of Environment The term "environment" refers to the natural world, including air, water, land, flora, and fauna that surround human beings. As per Section 2(a) of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 , "Environment includes water, air, and land and the interrelationship among them." 1.1.2 Pollution 1.1.2.1 Meaning of Pollution Pollution is the contamination of the environment by harmful substances or activities, leading to undesirable changes. Defined in Section 2(c) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as "such contamination of water that is harmful to life." 1.1.2.2 Kinds of Pollution Air Pollution - Caused by vehicular emissions, industrial smoke, and deforestation. Case Law: M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986) [Oleum Gas Leak Case] – Established the "Absolute Liability" principle. Water Pollution - Caused by industrial effluents, sewage disc...