GMO, BIOHAZARD WASTE AND BIODIVERSITY: CAN A “DNA POLLUTION TAX” BE THE ANSWER?
AUTHOR – NIVETHA BASKAR, STUDENT OF POST GRADUATION IN 2 YRS LLM IN TAXTION LAW PURSUING AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TAMIL NADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, THARAMANI, CHENNAI. 113
BEST CITATION – NIVETHA BASKAR, GMO, BIOHAZARD WASTE AND BIODIVERSITY: CAN A “DNA POLLUTION TAX” BE THE ANSWER?, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 4 (2) OF 2025, PG. 361-372, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230.
ABSTRACT
The rapid growth of biotechnology has introduced new risks to the environment. This is due to the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic biology products, and biohazardous waste. This issue, often called DNA pollution, refers to the unintended introduction of genetically active material into natural ecosystems. This material can interact with native species, disrupt biodiversity, and create ecological imbalances. Traditional environmental laws in India, as well as international laws, mainly focus on chemical, industrial, and air and water pollution. However, they do not specifically regulate genetic or DNA-based pollutants. This research looks into whether a “DNA Pollution Tax” on industries like agricultural biotechnology, livestock and aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, industrial biotech, synthetic biology, and medical laboratories could be an effective legal tool for protecting biodiversity. The study uses a doctrinal approach, analyzing laws, court cases, international treaties, and academic literature to identify gaps in environmental regulation. It explores the possible effects of a DNA Pollution Tax in encouraging safer practices, reducing ecological risks, and promoting accountability in biotech industries. The findings show that while current laws touch on genetic pollution, there is a strong need for targeted regulatory tools that combine economic and legal approaches. The research concludes that a DNA Pollution Tax, if designed with specific scientific and legal safeguards, could be an innovative solution to balance technological advancement with environmental sustainability.
KEYWORDS: DNA Pollution, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Biodiversity Protection, Environmental Law, Biohazardous Waste, Synthetic Biology, Gene Editing (CRISPR, Gene Drives), Agricultural Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Waste, Environmental Regulation, Legal Accountability, Environmental Governance