Environmental Laws and Policies in India: Acts, Institutions and EIA Basics Questions

Question 1

Define environmental law.

Accepted Answer

Environmental law is a set of rules and regulations made to protect environment and human health.

Question 2

What is EIA?

Accepted Answer

EIA is Environmental Impact Assessment done to predict environmental impacts of a proposed project before approval.

Question 3

Expand CPCB.

Accepted Answer

CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control Board.

Question 4

Expand NGT.

Accepted Answer

NGT stands for National Green Tribunal.

Question 5

What is EMP?

Accepted Answer

EMP is Environmental Management Plan that lists mitigation and monitoring measures for a project.

Question 6

State one objective of environmental laws.

Accepted Answer

To control pollution and protect public health is an objective of environmental laws.

Question 7

List any three major environmental acts in India.

Accepted Answer

Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, Environment Protection Act 1986, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Forest Conservation Act 1980 are major acts (any three).

Question 8

Write any three roles of CPCB/SPCB.

Accepted Answer

They set and enforce pollution standards, monitor emissions/effluents, issue consents to industries and take action against violations (any three).

Question 9

Explain EIA objectives (any three).

Accepted Answer

EIA identifies environmental impacts, suggests mitigation/EMP, supports informed decision-making and improves sustainability (any three).

Question 10

Write the main steps of EIA process (any five).

Accepted Answer

Screening, scoping, baseline data, impact prediction, mitigation/EMP, public hearing, appraisal, clearance and monitoring are steps (any five).

Question 11

Why is public participation important in EIA? (any three points)

Accepted Answer

It brings local knowledge, increases transparency, helps identify real impacts on health/livelihood, and improves acceptance and accountability (any three).

Question 12

Write any three challenges in environmental law enforcement.

Accepted Answer

Weak monitoring, lack of awareness, limited resources, delays and poor-quality reporting are challenges (any three).

Question 13

Explain major environmental acts in India and their purpose.

Accepted Answer

Environmental laws are necessary to control pollution, conserve natural resources and ensure sustainable development.

Major environmental acts in India (overview):
1) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: controls water pollution and establishes boards.
2) Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: controls air pollution and sets standards.
3) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: umbrella law that empowers government to protect environment and issue rules/standards.
4) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: protects wildlife and regulates hunting and trade.
5) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: restricts diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
6) Biological Diversity Act, 2002: conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

These laws provide standards, permissions, monitoring and penalties to protect environment and public health.

Question 14

Explain role of institutions like MoEFCC, CPCB/SPCB and NGT in environmental protection.

Accepted Answer

Institutions play a major role in implementing environmental laws.

Key institutions:
- MoEFCC: formulates policies, rules and environmental clearances.
- CPCB: sets national standards and coordinates pollution control activities.
- SPCB/PCC: monitors, issues consents, and enforces standards at state level.
- NGT: handles environmental cases and provides speedy justice.

Enforcement includes:
- monitoring emissions and effluents
- issuing permits/consents and compliance checks
- penalties for violations
- awareness programmes

Strong institutions and strict enforcement are essential for effective environmental protection.

Question 15

Explain EIA: meaning, objectives and steps with EMP.

Accepted Answer

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process to identify and predict environmental impacts of a proposed project before it is approved.

Objectives:
- assess impacts on air, water, land, biodiversity and people
- suggest mitigation measures and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
- support informed decision-making and sustainable development

Main steps:
1) Screening (whether EIA is required)
2) Scoping (key issues and terms)
3) Baseline data collection
4) Impact prediction and evaluation
5) Mitigation measures and EMP
6) Public consultation/hearing
7) Appraisal by expert committee
8) Clearance decision with conditions
9) Monitoring and compliance

EIA helps reduce long-term environmental damage and improves project planning.

Environmental Laws and Policies in India: Acts, Institutions and EIA Basics

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