Consider the following statements: The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Govern- ment 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?

Question

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 2 only. ​Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is aimed at pro- tecting, improving the environment & reducing pollution. The Act, empowers the Government of India for coordination of action by the state, planning and execution of nationwide pro- grammes. The Act authorises the central government to control & reduce pollution from all sources. Statement 1 is incorrect: The provisions in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not explicitly mention detailed pro- visions for public participation. However, it does enable certain mechanisms that indirectly promote public involvement. Statement 2 is correct: Section 3(2)(v) of the Act states that the central government can prescribe standards for the quality of the environment and emissions or discharges of pollutants from various sources. The Act also allows the government to regulate industrial and commercial activities that may harm the environ- ment. 134

Practice more Environment PYQs

More UPSC Environment PYQs