Question

Which of the following is included in the Central Government's power under Section 3(2)(ii) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

• A. Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution
• B. Laying down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects
• C. Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution
• D. Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution

Hint:

Section 3(2)(ii) = Quality Standards! If the government is setting permissible limits for air/water/noise quality, they are acting under this specific subsection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, details the powers of the Central Government to take measures for protecting and improving the environment.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Section 3(2)(ii) explicitly empowers the Central Government to "lay down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects."
- Other options relate to different subsections of Section 3 (e.g., Section 3(2)(i) covers nation-wide programmes, Section 3(2)(iii) covers investigations/research, and Section 3(2)(iv) covers information dissemination).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Section 3(2)(ii) relates to laying down quality standards. Option (B) is correct.

Answer 2

Section 3(2) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 lists the Central Government's powers in separate numbered sub-clauses, and the question asks which specific power falls under sub-clause (ii).

1. Option (A) - Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for prevention, control and abatement of pollution: This power is listed under Section 3(2)(i), the clause preceding the one asked about, and concerns overall programme planning rather than setting quality standards.
2. Option (B) - Laying down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects: This is precisely the power given under Section 3(2)(ii), covering the setting of benchmark standards for air, water and other environmental aspects. This matches the sub-clause asked about exactly.
3. Option (C) - Collection and dissemination of information relating to environmental pollution: This function is assigned to a different sub-clause of Section 3(2), concerned with information gathering rather than standard-setting.
4. Option (D) - Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to environmental pollution: This power belongs to yet another sub-clause of Section 3(2), focused on research activity rather than the fixing of quality standards.

Matching each listed power to its specific sub-clause confirms that quality-standard setting is what Section 3(2)(ii) covers.

Hence, the correct answer is Laying down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects.