Question 58
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AOptions
BSolution
Let's analyze each statement regarding the powers of the Government of India under the Environment Protection Act, 1986:
1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought. This statement is incorrect. While public participation is a crucial aspect of environmental governance and is incorporated into various environmental rules and policies (like the EIA Notification), the Environment Protection Act (EPA) of 1986 itself, as an empowering statute, does not explicitly 'state the requirement' or detail the procedure for public participation as one of its direct empowerments to the Government. Its focus is more on broad powers to protect and improve the environment.
2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources. This statement is correct. Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, explicitly empowers the Central Government to "lay down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects and standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources whatsoever". This is one of the core powers granted by the Act.
CStrategy
For questions on environmental acts, distinguish between the direct powers granted by the principal act and the provisions or procedures laid down in subsequent rules, notifications, or guidelines. Focus on the core objectives and explicit empowerments mentioned within the act itself.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under the Environment & Ecology section of the UPSC Prelims syllabus, specifically focusing on key environmental legislation in India and the powers granted therein.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium. The question tests specific knowledge of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, requiring a clear understanding of its direct provisions versus broader environmental governance practices.