The Environment Protection Act, 1986 is called 'Umbrella Legislation' because it provides an overarching framework that covers all types of environmental protection — it fills the gaps left by the specific-purpose Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981). It empowers the Central Government to take all necessary measures for environmental protection, set standards, regulate industrial activities, and coordinate between different agencies. It was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy exposed the inadequacy of existing environmental laws.