S
Very well put, Dr. Rama. For a developing country where the laws are not that comprehensive, enforcement lax and other priorities often over ride environmental concerns, it is very difficult to imagine what one can do. But it had to start from some where - me and you!
The problem, as you pointed out, is in no way related to the 'comprehensiveness' (or lack of it) of the laws but, IMO, to non-adherence to one's own Environmental Policy if it
- is appropriate to the nature, scale and environmental impacts of its activities, products and services,
- includes a commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution,
- includes a commitment to comply with applicable legal requirements and with other requirements to which the organization subscribes which relate to its environmental aspects,
- provides the framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets,
- is documented, implemented and maintained,
- is communicated to all persons working for or on behalf of the organization, and
- is available to the public.
An auditor should first determine the comprehensiveness as well as appropriateness of the policy statement in terms of the requirements stated above before raising an issue.