Environmental Acts — Set 4
Environment · पर्यावरण अधिनियम · Questions 31–40 of 60
Which act prohibits the use of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs in India?
Correct Answer: D. Environment Protection Act (Rules)
Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules were framed under the Environment Protection Act. These rules fulfill India's commitment to the Montreal Protocol. They regulate the production, consumption, and trade of chemicals that damage the ozone layer.
The concept of 'Reserved Forests' was first introduced in India by which legislation?
Correct Answer: D. Indian Forest Act, 1865/1878
The 1878 Act categorized forests into Reserved, Protected, and Village forests. Reserved forests have the highest degree of protection where most activities are prohibited unless specifically permitted. This classification was later adopted by the 1927 Act.
Which act provides for the protection of 'Specified Plants' listed in Schedule VI?
Correct Answer: C. Wildlife Protection Act
The Wildlife Protection Act was amended to include Schedule VI to protect specific plants like the Pitcher plant and Blue Vanda. Cultivation or trade of these rare plants requires a specialized license. This prevents the over-exploitation of India's unique flora.
What is the primary role of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
Correct Answer: B. Setting environmental standards
The CPCB is the apex technical organization for environmental monitoring in India. it coordinates the activities of State Pollution Control Boards and provides technical assistance. It maintains the national air and water quality databases.
The 'Coastal Regulation Zone' (CRZ) rules are updated periodically to manage activities within how many meters of the High Tide Line?
Correct Answer: C. 500 meters
The CRZ generally covers the area between the Low Tide Line and 500 meters from the High Tide Line. Within this zone, specific activities like large-scale construction or discharge of untreated waste are restricted. This helps in preserving the ecological balance of the shoreline.
Which state has a specialized 'State Environment Impact Assessment Authority' (SEIAA)?
Correct Answer: C. Every state and UT
SEIAAs are established in all states to provide environmental clearances for smaller category projects. They function under the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment. This decentralization helps in faster decision-making for local development projects.
The 'Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act' was passed in which year to manage funds for forest land diversion?
Correct Answer: B. 2016
The correct answer is '2016'. This act, also known as the CAMPA Act, ensures that money paid by industries for using forest land is spent on planting new trees. The funds are managed at both central and state levels. It aims to ensure that the total forest cover of the country does not decrease.
Which act gives the government authority to shut down a polluting industry immediately without a court order?
Correct Answer: A. Environment Protection Act, 1986
Under Section 5 of this act, the Central Government can issue directions to close or regulate any industrial process. This power can be exercised if there is a threat to the environment or public health. This is a very powerful provision for rapid environmental intervention.
The 'Nagoya Protocol' related to biodiversity is implemented in India through which act?
Correct Answer: B. Biological Diversity Act
The Biological Diversity Act and its rules align with the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms of the Nagoya Protocol. It ensures that local communities get a share of the profits when their biological resources are used commercially. This prevents 'biopiracy' by international corporations.
Which schedule was added to the Wildlife Protection Act to list plants specifically (like the Beddomes' cycad)?
Correct Answer: B. Schedule VI
Schedule VI was introduced via an amendment in 1991 specifically for plants. It prohibits the collection, uprooting, and trade of rare and endangered plant species. This was a significant step toward recognizing that flora needs as much protection as fauna.