Environment Protection Act scope – UGC NET Question

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 serves as an umbrella law that gives the central government broad powers to protect and improve the environment. It authorises the setting of standards, regulation of industrial locations and discharges, control of hazardous substances and issuance of directions. Thus, it provides a comprehensive framework rather than dealing with a narrow issue alone.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because wildlife conservation is mainly covered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the Environment (Protection) Act has a much wider scope beyond wildlife.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it recognises the Act as a broad, empowering statute that underpins many rules on pollution control, environmental standards and impact assessment.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since forest land diversion for projects is primarily governed by the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, not by the Environment (Protection) Act alone.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because pollution control boards were created mainly under the Water and Air Acts; the 1986 Act goes beyond merely setting up such institutions.