Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
Central Ground Water Authority
Identifying the Body Constituted Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The question asks us to identify which of the given options was established under the specific provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Understanding the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA) is a significant piece of legislation in India. It was enacted to provide a framework for environmental protection and to establish regulatory mechanisms. One of the key powers under this Act is the ability of the Central Government to constitute authorities or bodies to effectively implement the Act's objectives.
The Correct Body: Central Ground Water Authority
Upon reviewing the options and the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, it is found that the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was indeed constituted under Section 3(3) of this Act. The main purpose behind establishing CGWA was to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater resources in India.
Analysis of Other Options
Let's briefly look at the other options to understand why they are not constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:
- Central Water Commission (CWC): This is a premier technical organization in India in the field of Water Resources. It functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti but is not constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): This is a subordinate office under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. CGWB provides scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation, and regulation of groundwater resources. While related to groundwater, its constitution is not under the EPA, 1986.
- National Water Development Agency (NWDA): This is a Society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, functioning under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Its mandate includes carrying out detailed studies for inter-linking of rivers. It is not constituted under the EPA, 1986.
Summary of Bodies and Constitution
| Body | Constituted Under | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Central Water Commission | Ministry of Jal Shakti (Administrative Setup) | Overall water resources planning, development, and management |
| Central Ground Water Board | Ministry of Jal Shakti (Subordinate Office) | Scientific inputs for groundwater management and exploration |
| Central Ground Water Authority | Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Section 3(3)) | Regulation and control of groundwater development |
| National Water Development Agency | Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Registered Society under Ministry of Jal Shakti) | Studies for inter-linking of rivers |
Based on this analysis, the Central Ground Water Authority is the body among the options that was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Revision Table: Environmental and Water Bodies
| Act/Authority | Key Provision | Established Body |
|---|---|---|
| Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 | Section 3(3) | Central Ground Water Authority |
Additional Information on Environmental Governance
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is a comprehensive act allowing the central government to take all necessary measures for environmental protection. Besides constituting authorities like the Central Ground Water Authority, the Act also enables the government to issue directions, set standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants, regulate industries, and handle environmental rule-making. The constitution of specific authorities under the Act highlights its flexibility in creating dedicated bodies to address particular environmental challenges, such as the sustainable management of vital resources like groundwater.
Important Questions from Acts/Laws/Policies related to Environment
As per the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008, the ____________ shall be the nodal Ministry to deal with the transboundary movement of the hazardous wastes and to grant permission for transit of the hazardous wastes through any part of India.
