Q121. Which principle forms the core basis for the NGT ordering compensation and restitution for environmental damage?
Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment: RAS Prelims MCQs
168 RAS Prelims MCQs on environmental and ecological changes and impact assessment cover ecosystem concepts, pollution, climate and environmental law. Ecotones, decomposers, primary productivity, secondary pollutants, the greenhouse effect, the EIA Notification 2006, the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and the Aravalli mining ban are asked as definitions, laws and statements.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 121–130 of 168 questions
Q122. In a landmark order, the NGT banned coal mining in the state of Meghalaya primarily citing:
Explanation
In a significant ruling, the environmental tribunal stopped the extraction of a certain fossil fuel in a northeastern state. The court found that the methods being used were highly dangerous and were causing severe pollution to the local water and soil. Because the mining was being done without following proper safety and environmental standards, it posed a threat to the health of workers and the long-term stability of the region’s delicate mountain ecosystems.
Q123. Which of the following laws does NOT fall under the civil jurisdiction of the NGT?
Explanation
The environmental tribunal has authority to handle cases involving a wide range of national laws related to air, water, and forests. However, some pieces of legislation that deal primarily with social issues or rights of specific groups are outside its scope. For example, laws that recognize traditional land and resource rights of indigenous communities are managed through different channels, as they involve complex historical and social considerations.
Q124. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted under which of the following acts?
Explanation
To address the growing problem of contamination in the country’s rivers and lakes, the government created a central authority in the mid-seventies. This body was established under a specific piece of legislation focused on the prevention and control of water pollution. Since its creation, its role has expanded to include many other aspects of environmental management, but its legal foundation remains rooted in this original effort to protect precious water resources.
Q125. Regarding the functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), consider the following statements:
I. Advise the Central Government on matters concerning the prevention and control of water and air pollution.
II. Coordinate the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards and resolve disputes among them.
III. Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards.
IV. Directly prosecute individual citizens for littering in municipal areas.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Advise the Central Government on matters concerning the prevention and control of water and air pollution.
II. Coordinate the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards and resolve disputes among them.
III. Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards.
IV. Directly prosecute individual citizens for littering in municipal areas.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The central authority for pollution control has several important responsibilities at the national level. It provides technical advice to the government, coordinates the work of various regional boards, and offers guidance on best practices for environmental protection. While it plays a critical role in setting standards and managing programs, it does not typically handle the direct prosecution of individuals for minor local offenses, which is usually managed by local agencies.
Q126. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) grant "Consent to Establish" and "Consent to Operate" primarily to:
Explanation
Regional boards have the power to regulate any activity that could potentially release pollutants into the air or water. Before a major facility can be built or start operating, the owners must obtain formal permission from these authorities. This process applies to a wide variety of activities, including large factories, power plants, and significant building projects. By granting or withholding this consent, the boards can ensure that these developments include necessary pollution control measures.
Q127. Under the Air Act of 1981, who is empowered to declare an area as an "Air Pollution Control Area"?
Explanation
Under the national law for protecting air quality, specific regions can be identified for more rigorous regulation if they are facing significant contamination. The power to make this designation lies with the regional administration, following a formal discussion with the specialized pollution control board. This allow authorities to focus their efforts and resources on the most affected areas, implementing stricter controls on industrial and domestic emissions to improve the public health.
Q128. Which body is responsible for laying down standards for the quality of air and water at the national level in India?
Explanation
Determining the maximum acceptable levels of pollutants in the environment is a critical task for protecting public health and nature. In India, this responsibility lies with a central scientific body that sets national standards for the quality of air and water. These benchmarks provide a clear target for regional authorities and help to ensure that environmental protection efforts are consistent across the entire country, regardless of local variations in industrial activity.
Q129. The execution of the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) is coordinated by:
Explanation
To get a clear picture of air quality across the whole nation, a comprehensive monitoring program is in place. This initiative is managed by the central pollution control authority, which works with regional boards to collect and analyze data from hundreds of stations in different cities. By providing regular and accurate information, this program helps scientists and policymakers understand the scale of the problem and develop effective strategies for protecting people’s health.
Q130. If a factory is operating without the consent of the SPCB and causing severe pollution, what immediate action can the SPCB take?
Explanation
When a facility is found to be causing serious harm to the environment or operating without the required permissions, regional authorities have the power to take swift and decisive action. They can issue an order to stop the facility’s operations immediately. To make this effective, they can also direct other agencies to cut off essential services like electricity and water. These strong measures are necessary to prevent further pollution and ensure compliance.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 121 | (d) Polluter Pays and Precautionary Principles |
| 122 | (c) Unscientific mining causing degradation |
| 123 | (b) The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 |
| 124 | (d) Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 |
| 125 | (a) I, II and III |
| 126 | (c) Industries and infrastructure projects |
| 127 | (a) The State Government, after consultation with the State Board |
| 128 | (d) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) |
| 129 | (b) CPCB |
| 130 | (c) Order closure and utility stoppage |
Key facts from Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment
- An ecosystem is made of interacting organisms and their physical environment; an ecotone is a zone of transition between ecosystems.
- Saprotrophs convert complex organic matter into simple substances; gross primary productivity is the rate at which producers create organic matter.
- Plants release water vapour through transpiration.
- Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant; CO, SO₂ and PM10 are primary pollutants.
- The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat by atmospheric gases.
- Category B2 projects are exempt from public consultation under the EIA Notification 2006; the Supreme Court banned mining in the Aravalli range in Haryana and Rajasthan.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment?
This page has 168 practice MCQs on Environmental and Ecological Changes and Impact Assessment (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is a secondary pollutant?
A pollutant that is not emitted directly but forms in the air from primary pollutants. Ground-level ozone is the standard example, formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight.
What is an ecotone?
A zone of transition between two different ecosystems, such as the area between a forest and a grassland. It often has more species than either neighbour because it has species of both.
Which projects are exempt from public consultation under EIA 2006?
Category B2 projects, which have less environmental impact. Category A and B1 projects need public consultation as part of the clearance process, which is the main way local people are heard.