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Section 20 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Information, reports or returns.

The Central Government may, in relation to its functions under this Act, from time to time, require any person, officer, State Government or other authority to furnish to it or any prescribed authority or officer any reports, returns, statistics, accounts and other information and such person, officer, State Government or other authority shall be bound to do so.

Summary

The Central Government has the power to ask for environmental data and records from any person or organization.
This rule applies to citizens, corporate officers, State Governments, and local authorities.
Anyone who receives a request for reports, statistics, accounts, or other information must provide them.
The government can require this information to be sent directly to itself or to a designated officer.

Practical examples

1On March 12, 2025, Rajesh, who runs a small leather dyeing workshop in Kanpur, gets a notice from a central environmental officer. The notice asks for a statistical report on his monthly chemical purchases and waste disposal records. Under this rule, Rajesh must gather these documents and send them to the officer by the deadline.

2The State Government of Tamil Nadu plans to construct a highway near a wetland in September 2026. The Central Government requests the state highway department to hand over all environmental assessments and tree-cutting statistics. The state department is legally obligated to share these documents.

FAQ

1. Who can the central authority demand environmental reports from under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act?

Under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, the government can require any person, officer, State Government, or other authority to share information.

2. Can a business refuse to share its waste disposal accounts under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act?

No, under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, everyone is legally bound to provide the requested reports and accounts.

3. How often can the government ask for statistics under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act?

Under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, the Central Government can request these records from time to time as needed.

Test yourself

1.Under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, which of the following is legally excused from providing environmental statistics when asked by the Central Government?

2.Under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to whom must an officer or State Government submit the requested reports and accounts?

3.Under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, what kind of information can the Central Government require an authority or person to furnish?

4.Under Section 20 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, how often can the Central Government demand environmental statistics from a local authority?

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