Decentralisation and environment governance – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and E are correct because they reflect the potential strengths and requirements of decentralised governance. Bringing decisions closer to communities, using local knowledge, building capacity and coordinating across levels can all improve environmental management. D is wrong since participation of marginalised groups does not happen automatically, and F is wrong because accountability mechanisms strongly influence local outcomes. Hence, A, B, C and E only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it omits E, failing to recognise the importance of coordination when environmental issues cross local boundaries, such as river basins or airsheds. Without E, the multi-level governance dimension is missing.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes D, which wrongly assumes that decentralisation by itself guarantees inclusive participation. In practice, specific measures are needed to involve marginalised groups, so accepting D misrepresents reality.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it brings together B, C, E and F and treats F as if accountability were irrelevant. In fact, accountability is vital for ensuring that local authorities act in the public interest, so this option mixes correct and incorrect elements.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it selects all the true statements and excludes D and F, which overstate automatic inclusion and downplay accountability. It provides a balanced picture of what makes decentralised environmental governance effective.