Question

Which of the following is NOT a law to prevent environmental crimes by the Government of India:
1. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
2. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
3. Ozone Depletion (Protection and Propagation) Act, 2008
4. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1975
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Hint:

Always look for the wording. An Act to "Propagate" (spread) Ozone Depletion would be illogical for an environmental protection law!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Environmental protection in India is enforced through several specific Acts targeting air, water, and wildlife. These laws criminalize activities that degrade natural resources or threaten biodiversity.

Step 1: Verifying Existing Environmental Acts.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (1) protects endangered species. The Water Act, 1974 (4) (amended/enforced in 1975) and the Air Act, 1981 (2) provide the legal framework for Pollution Control Boards to prosecute industrial polluters.

Step 2: Identifying the Fictitious Act.
The "Ozone Depletion (Protection and Propagation) Act, 2008" (3) does not exist in Indian legislation. While India is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol and has the "Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000" under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, there is no separate Act by the name mentioned in the option. Furthermore, the term "Propagation" (meaning to spread or promote) would be contradictory to protecting against ozone depletion.