- Why were there very few environmental laws in India before 1984?
a) Industries were not polluting the environment
b) The government prioritized industrial growth over environmental safety
c) Environmental activism was strong enough to prevent pollution
d) The laws in place were strictly enforced - What was the primary reason for introducing new environmental laws in India?
a) Pressure from international organizations
b) The Bhopal Gas Tragedy highlighted the need for stricter regulations
c) Industrialists demanded better safety regulations
d) India had no environmental problems before 1984 - What is the polluter pays principle introduced in the new laws?
a) The government pays industries to reduce pollution
b) Industries that pollute the environment must bear the cost of damage and cleanup
c) Citizens are taxed for pollution control measures
d) Only foreign companies are fined for pollution - What role did the Indian judiciary play in strengthening environmental protection?
a) It ignored environmental concerns to favor businesses
b) It declared environmental protection part of the Right to Life under Article 21
c) It placed all environmental responsibilities on the government
d) It banned all industries in India - In which case did the Supreme Court uphold the Right to Life as including a pollution-free environment?
a) Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)
b) Subhash Kumar vs. State of Bihar (1991)
c) Maneka Gandhi Case (1978)
d) Golaknath Case (1967) - What action did the Supreme Court take to reduce vehicular pollution in cities like Delhi?
a) Banned private vehicles
b) Ordered all public transport vehicles to switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
c) Encouraged more use of diesel cars
d) Reduced the number of traffic signals - Why do some industries continue to violate environmental laws?
a) The penalties are too low to be effective
b) They follow strict pollution control guidelines
c) The government provides financial incentives for polluting industries
d) They prioritize worker safety over environmental concerns - How did the courts balance environmental concerns with economic growth?
a) By shutting down all industries polluting the environment
b) By allowing industries to relocate instead of improving pollution control
c) By enforcing stricter regulations and promoting cleaner technologies
d) By allowing companies to self-regulate their pollution levels - What challenge did workers face when polluting industries were shut down in residential areas?
a) They received financial compensation for job loss
b) They lost their jobs without alternative employment options
c) They were given training for cleaner industries
d) They were relocated with their industries to other cities - What is a long-term solution to environmental pollution while ensuring economic growth?
a) Encouraging industries to switch to cleaner technologies
b) Reducing government regulations on industries
c) Allowing pollution to continue in the name of development
d) Stopping all industrial activities in India
Answers with Explanations
- b) The government prioritized industrial growth over environmental safety – Before 1984, there were very few laws to regulate pollution as industrial expansion was the priority.
- b) The Bhopal Gas Tragedy highlighted the need for stricter regulations – The disaster exposed weak environmental laws, prompting stronger regulations.
- b) Industries that pollute the environment must bear the cost of damage and cleanup – The polluter pays principle holds companies accountable for the damage they cause.
- b) It declared environmental protection part of the Right to Life under Article 21 – The Supreme Court ruled that a clean environment is essential for life.
- b) Subhash Kumar vs. State of Bihar (1991) – The Supreme Court in this case ruled that the Right to Life includes the right to pollution-free air and water.
- b) Ordered all public transport vehicles to switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – The Supreme Court intervened to control vehicular pollution in Delhi.
- a) The penalties are too low to be effective – Many industries continue polluting because fines are too minimal to deter violations.
- c) By enforcing stricter regulations and promoting cleaner technologies – Courts have pushed for cleaner industrial processes instead of outright bans.
- b) They lost their jobs without alternative employment options – Many workers lost jobs when industries were relocated due to pollution concerns.
a) Encouraging industries to switch to cleaner technologies – A sustainable approach is to shift towards eco-friendly production methods.
