Which is the primary legal act for air pollution control in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Explanation:
☛ The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 to provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution in India.
☛ This legislation was passed under Article 253 of the Constitution to implement the decisions taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in June 1972.
☛ The Act empowers the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to set emission standards, inspect industrial units, and declare air pollution control areas.
☛ In 1987, the Act was amended to include noise under the definition of air pollutants.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Environment (Protection) Act: Enacted in 1986 following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy; it serves as an umbrella legislation coordinating various central and state environmental authorities.
☛ Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act: Passed in 1974, it was India's first major legal framework for pollution control and led to the establishment of the CPCB.
☛ Forest Rights Act: Enacted in 2006, it recognizes the land and resource rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
☛ National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act: Established in 2010 under Article 21 to provide speedy environmental justice.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year was noise included as an air pollutant under the Air Act? → 1987
☛ Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to enact environmental laws for international treaties? → Article 253
☛ When was the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) initially established? → 1974
☛ Which international conference inspired India's Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act? → Stockholm Conference (1972)
☛ In which year was the Wildlife (Protection) Act enacted in India? → 1972