Environmental Laws are important part of environment and its syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Environmental Laws.
PYQ on Environmental Laws
Q- Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 ? (2022)
(a) Central Water Commission
(b) Central Ground Water Board
(c) Central Ground Water Authority
(d) National Water Development Agency
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) is established pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with the mandate to oversee and manage the development of groundwater resources across the nation. It is responsible for issuing regulatory directives and exercising authority to appoint officers in accordance with the Act.
Q- With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : (2022)
- Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
- When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
- Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, wild animals are considered the property of the government, whether at the state or central level. In a landmark ruling in 2012, the Bombay High Court affirmed that wild animals, including tigers, are to be regarded as government property, and any damages caused by them should be compensated by the government. This validates statement 1.
Indian wildlife protection laws, as outlined in the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, do not differentiate between animals found in protected areas and those outside them. They afford equal protection to all wild animals, regardless of their location. Hence, statement 2 is accurate.
Contrary to statement 3, the mere apprehension of a protected wild animal posing a threat to human life is insufficient grounds for its capture or killing. Only when a wild animal poses an immediate danger to human life or is severely diseased or injured beyond recovery can it be authorized for capture or euthanasia, and such decisions are made by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the respective state.
Q- If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (2020)
(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant
(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances
(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant
(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 comprises six schedules. Schedule VI lists endemic plants that are prohibited from cultivation and planting. Enforcement authorities have the authority to compound offenses related to hunting under this schedule.
Q- Consider the following statements : (2020)
- 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
- CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
- India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
According to the Niti Aayog report, out of the 5723 assessment units evaluated jointly by State Ground Water Departments and CGWB, the data reveals that 71% are categorized as safe, 10% as semi-critical, 4% as critical, and 15% as over-exploited. Therefore, statement 1 is inaccurate.
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was established under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and it oversees groundwater extraction through regularly updated guidelines. Thus, statement 2 is accurate.
India boasts the world’s largest groundwater-based irrigation system, covering 39 million hectares, which accounts for 67% of its total irrigation. Consequently, statement 3 is correct. In terms of the largest groundwater-equipped irrigation systems, China ranks second with 19 million hectares, followed by the USA with 17 million hectares. Pakistan and Bangladesh occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, in terms of the largest groundwater utilization.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2019)
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to
- state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
- lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 grants the central government the authority to safeguard and enhance environmental quality, regulate and minimize pollution from various sources, and forbid or limit the establishment and operation of industrial facilities based on environmental considerations.
Enacted with the aim of enhancing environmental protection and preservation, this legislation empowers the Central Government to establish bodies tasked with preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and addressing specific environmental challenges unique to different regions of the country.
Notably, the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 does not include provisions concerning public participation, while Section 6 of the Act grants the Central Government the power to regulate pollution control standards.
Q- Consider the following statements: (2019)
- As per the recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas
- As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce
- The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill 2018 allows for the harvesting and transportation of bamboo cultivated in non-forest areas, while bamboo grown in forest lands remains categorized as a tree and is subject to existing legal regulations. Therefore, Statement 1 is inaccurate.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 recognizes bamboo as a Minor Forest Produce, granting Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest inhabitants the rights to ownership, access, and utilization of such resources.
Consequently, Statement 2 is valid. Moreover, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 specifically defines minor forest produce to include bamboo among other items, and it extends rights to tribal communities and traditional forest residents for the collection, utilization, and disposal of such resources within or beyond village territories. Therefore, Statement 3 is also accurate.
Q- Consider the following statements? (2018)
- The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the forest rights act 2006
- For the first time in India, Baigas have been given habitat rights
- Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The term ‘critical wildlife habitat’ is exclusively defined in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs serves as the central authority responsible for determining and officially declaring Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups across India. Baiga tribals were granted habitat rights for the first time under the Forest Rights Act of 2006, making them the inaugural community to receive such rights in India. Critical wildlife habitats (CWH) are delineated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006, as areas within national parks and sanctuaries that have been identified, based on scientific and objective criteria, as essential for wildlife conservation and must therefore be preserved inviolate.
Q- How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)
- The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the government
- The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 through the National Green Tribunal Act to expedite cases concerning environmental issues. Unlike the traditional court system, the NGT is not bound by the procedures outlined in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but instead operates based on principles of natural justice. While New Delhi serves as the main location for the Tribunal, it also holds sittings in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. However, statement 1 is incorrect as the NGT was established in 2010, not 2011. Additionally, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, is a statutory body with responsibilities related to both water and air pollution control. It functions to ensure the cleanliness of water sources and the prevention, control, and abatement of water pollution, as well as to improve air quality and prevent air pollution across the country. Hence, statement 2 is accurate.
Q- According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? (2017)
- Gharial
- Indian wild ass
- Wild Buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
All the animals mentioned are categorized as protected scheduled animals under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The gharial, classified as ‘Critically Endangered,’ and the Water buffalo, categorized as ‘Endangered,’ are listed under Schedule I due to their vulnerable status.
Similarly, the Indian wild ass, also classified as ‘Endangered,’ falls under Schedule I as well. The Wildlife Protection Act includes six schedules, each providing varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and Schedule II offer absolute protection, with the highest penalties prescribed for offenses against species listed in these schedules.
Schedule I specifically covers endangered species. Schedule III and Schedule IV encompass protected species, although the penalties for violations are less severe compared to the first two schedules. These schedules typically include species that are not endangered. Schedule V lists animals that can be hunted, while Schedule VI includes prohibited plants, which are restricted from cultivation and planting.
Q- In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? (2017)
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as tiger
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India
(d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
This legislation aims to safeguard specified species of animals, birds, and plants, as well as to create a network of ecologically significant protected areas within the nation. It also outlines the establishment of wildlife advisory boards and wildlife wardens, delineating their responsibilities and authority.
Q- Consider the following statements : (2014)
- Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environments (Protection) Act, 1986
- National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body
- National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister
Which if the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 as a statutory body. It serves as an advisory entity to the Government of India regarding animal welfare legislation, contrary to statement 1. Comprising 28 members who each serve a three-year term, the AWBI operates under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, with its headquarters located in Ballabgarh, Faridabad, Haryana.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), established in 2005 under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, is a statutory body formed in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was replaced by the National Ganga Council through the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) Authorities Order of 2016. The council, chaired by the Prime Minister and with the Union Minister for Jal Shakti as its vice-chairperson, oversees the implementation of the national mission for Clean Ganga.
Q- With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Eco-sensitive zones, designated within a 10-kilometer radius around protected areas, serve as buffers and are established under section 3 of the Environment Protection Act 1986 by the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Contrary to statement 1, these zones are not ecologically fragile areas themselves.
Rather, they are intended to protect the environment by regulating certain activities within them. In eco-sensitive zones, activities like agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, rainwater harvesting, scientific research, and tourism are permitted, as per statement 2. These zones function as buffers to absorb shocks around protected areas, facilitating a transition from highly protected zones to lesser protected ones. They play a crucial role in in-situ conservation efforts, mitigating forest depletion, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, and reducing the impacts of urbanization and developmental activities within protected areas.
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