Consider the following statements:

The Environment Protection Act, 1986, empowers the Government of India

1. to 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?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• While the Environment Protection Act, 1986, emphasises environmental protection, it does not explicitly require public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought. The procedure for public participation is more specifically outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Statement 2 is correct

• The Environment (Protection) Act,1986, is an umbrella legislation designed to provide a framework for the coordination of central and state authorities established under the Water (Prevention and Control) Act,1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control) Act,1981. Under this Act, the Central government is empowered to take measures necessary to protect and improve the quality of the environment by setting standards for emissions and discharges; regulating the location of industries; managing hazardous wastes; and protecting public health and welfare.

Answer: (b) 2 only; Difficulty Level: Medium