Acts related to Environment Conservation MCQs with Explanations
Environmental conservation laws play a vital role in protecting forests, wildlife, biodiversity and natural resources. This topic covers important environmental acts, their objectives, provisions and significance for UPSC, State PCS and other competitive examinations.
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
Right to a healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to Life under Article 21.
Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1).
Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(A) Only 1
The National Green Tribunal was established on 18 October, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forest to provide the right to a healthy environment, construed as a part of Right to Life under Article 21. It draws inspiration from the constitution of India (Article 21) which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment. Notably on 18th October 2010, Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta became its first chairman. Present chairman of NGT is Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel.
Ques: 2
Which of the following is related to Protection of Ecological Balance?
Forest Policy
Environment (Protection) Act
Industrial Policy
Educational Policy
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(D)
All the above
Protection of the ecological balance is directly related to the Forest Policy and the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. While Industrial Policy and Education Policy also include the environmental approach. Thus, the four policies mentioned in question could be considered as being related to the protection of ecological balance.
Ques: 3
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the:
Correct Answer:
(C) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. On 22 July, 2010 Genetic Engineering Approval Committee was renamed as Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee. It is the apex body constituted in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under 'Rule for manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous microorganism/genetically engineered organism or cells 1989' under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
Note: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is also known as Umbrella Legislation. In the wake of the Bhopal Tragedy, the Government of India enacted the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 under Article 253 of the Constitution. The Act is an “umbrella” legislation designed to provide a framework for Central Government coordination of the activities of various Central and State authorities established under previous laws, such as the Water Act and the Air Act.
Ques: 4
Consider the following statements regarding the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
It has five schedules that give varying degrees of protection.
National Board for Wildlife, state wildlife advisory boards and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau are advisory boards.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 protection of wild animals, birds, and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India. It has six schedules that give varying degrees of protection.
Statutory bodies under WPA:
National Board for Wildlife and state wildlife advisory boards
Central Zoo Authority
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
National Tiger Conservation Authority
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements regarding the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
It vests regulatory authority in Centre Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
The act also aims to control and prevent air pollution in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A) 1 only
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Objective: To provide prevention and control of water pollution. Maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness and purity of water in the various sources of water.
It vests regulatory authority in Centre Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 aims to control and prevent air pollution in India.