UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Narmada Bachao Andolan emerged in response to large dam projects on the Narmada river, such as Sardar Sarovar. These projects were criticised for submerging villages, forests and farmlands, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. The movement questioned the development model that prioritised infrastructure over social justice and ecological integrity. Thus, the description linking it to opposition to large dams due to displacement and environmental impacts is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because mangrove protection is associated with different coastal movements and conservation programmes. The Narmada struggle is focused on an inland river valley and dam-induced submergence rather than coastal aquaculture.

Option B:
Option B correctly captures the dual concern of social rehabilitation and ecological damage. It highlights how environmental movements can challenge large infrastructure projects when they fail to adequately consider the rights of affected communities and long-term ecological costs.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since bans on plastic bags arise from urban solid waste and litter issues. While important, these campaigns are distinct from the river-valley dam controversies of Narmada Bachao Andolan.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because promoting biofuels has never been the central agenda of this movement. Its primary focus has been on displacement, resettlement, environmental assessment and alternative development paths.

Statements A, B and C correctly describe major environmental movements in India and their concerns. Chipko involved forest-dependent communities protecting trees, Narmada Bachao Andolan questioned displacement and ecological impacts of dams and Silent Valley movement worked to save a unique rainforest from a hydropower project. Statement D is incorrect because these movements often explicitly connect environmental issues with social justice and livelihood rights. Therefore, the combination with A, B and C only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it includes the three accurate descriptions of movements and excludes the misleading statement D. It reflects the intertwined ecological and social dimensions of environmental struggles in India. By leaving out D, it remains conceptually coherent.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it introduces D into an otherwise correct set. Statement D wrongly claims that environmental movements ignore social justice, whereas many of them highlight equity, displacement and livelihood issues. Including this false statement invalidates the option.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it omits A and includes D. Without A, the role of the Chipko movement is overlooked, and by accepting D, it misrepresents the social orientation of these movements. Consequently, it fails to satisfy the question.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups A, C and D and excludes B. It neglects the important example of Narmada Bachao Andolan and simultaneously accepts D, which mischaracterises movements as apolitical regarding justice. This makes the combination unacceptable.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct because they describe well-known movements, their focus on displacement and sustainability and the use of PIL to advance environmental justice. Statement D is incorrect, since many movements demand alternatives and better assessment rather than rejecting all development. Statement F is incorrect because activism has influenced policies, judicial decisions and institutional reforms. Therefore, the combination A, B, C and E only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it combines historical examples, rights-based concerns and legal strategies that characterise Indian environmental movements. It excludes extreme claims that movements oppose all development or lack policy influence.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes D, which overgeneralises the stance of movements and ignores their constructive proposals. Although A, B and E are true, the presence of D makes the option unacceptable.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes F, which denies the impact of activism on policy and law. While B, C and E are correct, the inclusion of F and exclusion of A weakens the description.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it keeps F and leaves out B. Excluding B omits a key example of dam-related mobilisation, while accepting F denies the record of activism shaping law and policy.