Question

The Environment (Protection) Act in India was enacted in the year

• A. 1972
• B. 1981
• C. 1986
• D. 1991

Hint:

Logic Tip: Remember the Bhopal Gas Tragedy happened in late 1984. It takes the government a little over a year to draft and pass major laws. Thus, the massive Environment Protection Act came out in 1986.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984, the Government of India realized the need for an "umbrella" legislation to coordinate the activities of various central and state authorities.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Recall the timeline of Indian environmental laws:
1972: Wildlife Protection Act.
1974: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
1981: Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
1986: Environment (Protection) Act.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution. It gives the Union government the power to take all necessary measures to protect and improve the quality of the environment and to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The Act was enacted in 1986.