Balancing Risk And Innovation Of AI In Environmental Protection Laws In India: A Comprehensive Legal Analysis
- IJLLR Journal
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Ms. Mohana Priya M, Assistant Professor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
As India rapidly advances in artificial intelligence while confronting severe environmental challenges, the nation faces a critical need to balance technological innovation with environmental protection. The research explores the dual nature of AI as both a powerful solution for environmental monitoring and management, and a potential source of environmental and social risks. India's constitutional foundations, statutory frameworks, and emerging regulatory approaches, the study reveals significant gaps in current legal structures that must be addressed to govern AI applications in environmental contexts effectively.
The AI's substantial potential in addressing India's environmental crises, particularly in air quality monitoring, water resource management, and forest conservation. Machine learning algorithms can process vast environmental datasets, provide real-time pollution monitoring, predict environmental trends, and optimize resource usage across sectors. These capabilities offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance environmental governance efficiency and effectiveness.
However, the study also identifies critical challenges that accompany AI deployment in environmental protection. Technical risks include data quality issues, algorithmic bias, and system reliability concerns that could lead to flawed environmental decisions. Privacy and data protection challenges arise from extensive environmental monitoring systems that may infringe on individual and community rights. The research reveals that India's current legal framework, while providing strong constitutional foundations for environmental protection through Article 21 and related provisions, lacks specific provisions for governing AI applications. Existing environmental statutes such as the Environment Protection Act 1986 and sectoral legislation require significant adaptation to address AI-related challenges effectively.
Institutional reforms are essential for effective implementation, including establishing specialized AI oversight bodies, capacity building for regulatory agencies, and developing new procedural safeguards that protect individual and community rights while enabling beneficial AI applications. The framework emphasizes transparency, accountability, human oversight, and meaningful public participation as core principles. India's approach to this challenge will significantly influence both its environmental future and global efforts toward responsible AI governance in environmental protection.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Protection, Risk Assessment, Regulatory Governance and Digital Governance.
