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Which Article of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the duty of every citizen to protect the environment?
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) was established in 1980.
False
What was the significant international event that led to the establishment of a regulatory body for environmental issues in India?
UN Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972)
The _____ Pollution Control Board is responsible for pollution management at the state level.
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Which legislation was enacted to manage hazardous waste in India?
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The primary role of the Ministry of Environment and Forests is to promote industrial growth.
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What key responsibility was established for the State as per Article 48A of the Constitution?
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What is the primary focus of environmental ethics?
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What is the primary aim of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
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Non-anthropocentric views argue for the promotion of nature’s instrumental value to humans.
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What term is used for the process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project?
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Environmental clearance is required for all types of projects.
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Name two techniques used in the scoping phase of EIA.
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Environmental ethics is a branch of __________ that studies the relationship between human beings and the environment.
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An environmental audit is similar to a _____ audit.
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Match the following terms with their correct descriptions:
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Which of the following is considered an outcome of embracing an ecological worldview?
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Match the type of environmental audit with its function:
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Which of the following areas requires an environmental clearance for industrial projects?
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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) only considers negative impacts of a project.
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What does UNEP define Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as?
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The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India oversees compliance audits exclusively.
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What is the role of EIA in project planning?
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What major event led to the enactment of the Environment Protection Act in India?
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The Environment Protection Act was passed before the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment.
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What is the primary aim of the Environment Protection Act of 1986?
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The Environment Protection Act in India was enacted under Article ________ of the Constitution.
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Which perspective views environmental regulation as primarily a state activity?
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Match the following terms related to environmental regulation with their definitions:
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Market mechanisms are often cited by conservatives as effective means of providing environmental benefits.
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How many chapters does the Environment Protection Act of 1986 have?
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Study Notes
The Constitution of India and Environmental Protection
- The Indian Constitution emphasizes the duty of citizens to protect and improve the natural environment.
- Part IVA (Article 51A) outlines fundamental duties, including the protection and improvement of forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and compassion towards living creatures.
- Part IV (Article 48A) of the Constitution instructs the state to strive for environmental protection and safeguarding forests and wildlife.
The Evolution of Environmental Policy and Legislation
- The National Council for Environmental Policy and Planning was established in 1972 within the Department of Science and Technology.
- This council, later renamed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), became the official regulatory body for environmental protection in 1985.
- The UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm (1972) triggered significant efforts to develop environmental laws and regulations in India.
Key Environmental Legislations in India
- The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
- The Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- The Hazardous Waste Management Regulations.
Environmental Regulation: Perspectives and Complexity
- There are different views on the appropriate level of state intervention in environmental regulation, with liberal and socialist perspectives supporting greater state involvement, while conservative and libertarian perspectives favor market mechanisms.
- Environmental regulation requires collaboration across various disciplines, encompassing ethical principles, political interests, scientific knowledge, and technological capabilities.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- The Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) was enacted in 1986 following the Bhopal gas tragedy.
- It empowers the central government to establish authorities for preventing environmental pollution.
- The EPA serves as a comprehensive framework for coordinating environmental protection efforts across various government bodies.
Environmental Ethics
- Environmental ethics considers human beings' ethical relationships with the environment and the role of ethics in these interactions.
- It emphasizes the interconnectedness of humankind with other living creatures, including plants and animals.
- Environmental ethics advocate respecting and honoring these creatures and employing moral principles in their interactions.
Non-Anthropocentricism
- This approach emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature, beyond its usefulness to humans.
- It asserts that species and ecosystems deserve protection for their own sake.
- The ecological worldview, recognizing the intricate structure and function of natural systems, supports this perspective.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- EIA is a process of assessing the potential environmental impacts of a project or development.
- It considers interconnected economic, social, cultural, and human health implications, both positive and negative.
- UNEP defines EIA as a tool for identifying environmental, social, and economic impacts before decision-making.
Objectives of EIA
- To anticipate environmental impacts during project planning and design.
- To identify ways to minimize adverse impacts.
- To align projects with local environments.
- To present predictions and options to decision-makers.
Benefits of EIA
- Cost and time savings in project implementation and design.
- Reduced treatment and cleanup costs.
- Minimizing legal and regulatory complications.
Appraisal and Clearance for Industry
- Environmental clearance is required for 39 types of projects, involving screening, scoping, and evaluation.
- The process aims to assess the project's impact on the environment and people and implement mitigation measures.
Areas Requiring Environmental Clearance
- Religious and historic places.
- Archaeological monuments.
- Scenic areas.
- Hill and beach resorts.
- Mangrove and coral-rich coastal areas.
- Estuaries, gulf areas, and biosphere reserves.
- National parks and sanctuaries, lakes, and swamps.
- Seismic zones, tribal settlements, and areas of scientific and geological interest.
- Defense installations, particularly those sensitive to pollution.
- Border areas (international) and airports.
Environmental Audits
- Environmental audits evaluate environmental compliance and management system implementation.
- They assess gaps and propose corrective actions.
- Two main types of environmental audits are compliance audits and management systems audits.
The Supreme Audit Institution in India
- The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India heads the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI).
- The CAG holds a constitutional authority and derives his mandate from Articles 148 to 151 of the Indian Constitution.
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Description
This quiz explores the significant provisions of the Indian Constitution related to environmental protection, including key articles that emphasize citizens' duties and state responsibilities. Delve into the evolution of environmental policy in India and the establishment of regulatory bodies for safeguarding the environment.
