Question

Which of the following are identified as guiding principles in the National Environment Policy?
A. The Right to Development
B. The Precautionary Approach
C. Economic Inefficiency but Environmental Efficiency
D. The state is an absolute owner of all resources
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, C and D only
• B. C and D only
• C. B and C only
• D. A and B only

Hint:

The NEP is about balance. It pair "Development" with "Sustainability" and "Caution" (Precautionary principle) with "Action."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The National Environment Policy (NEP) of India provides a framework for environmental conservation while facilitating sustainable development. It is built upon several guiding principles that align national interests with global environmental standards.

Step 1: Evaluating the Right to Development (A).
The NEP explicitly recognizes the Right to Development, asserting that human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. It maintains that the right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations.

Step 2: Evaluating the Precautionary Approach (B).
A core pillar of modern environmental law included in the NEP is the Precautionary Approach. This principle states that where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Step 3: Rejecting Statements C and D.

• Statement C: The NEP actually promotes Economic Efficiency alongside environmental protection. It advocates for the "Polluter Pays" principle and internalizing environmental costs, not inefficiency.
• Statement D: While the State has sovereign rights over resources, the NEP emphasizes Public Trust Doctrine and community participation rather than the state being an "absolute owner" in a restrictive sense.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Statements A and B are established guiding principles of the National Environment Policy.