UPSC Prelims 2001 Q35: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
Consider the following statements regarding environment issues of India:
I. Gulf of Mannar is one of the biosphere reserves.
II. The Ganga Action Plan, phase II has been merged with the National River Conservation Plan.
III. The National Museum of Natural History at New Delhi imparts nonformal education in
environment and conservation.
IV. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) acts as a decentralised information network for
environmental information.
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) I, II and IV
- (b) I, II, III and IV
- (c) II and III
- (d) I, III and IV
Answer: (b) I, II, III and IV
Explanation
Statements on environment issues of India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| I. Gulf of Mannar is a biosphere reserve | Correct — notified in 1989; also in UNESCO's network since 2001 |
| II. Ganga Action Plan Phase II merged with the National River Conservation Plan | Correct — GAP II was merged with the NRCP in 1996 |
| III. National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi gives non-formal environment education | Correct — it works under the Ministry of Environment for conservation education |
| IV. ENVIS is a decentralised environmental information network | Correct — a network of centres set up in 1982 |
All four statements are correct. The Gulf of Mannar was among the first biosphere reserves, GAP II became part of the NRCP, the National Museum of Natural History runs non-formal education, and ENVIS links centres across the country.
Answer: (b) I, II, III and IV.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement III about the National Museum of Natural History is also correct.
- (b) CORRECT. All four statements are correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements I and IV are also correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement II about GAP II and the NRCP is also correct.
Key point
Gulf of Mannar: biosphere reserve 1989, marine national park 1986, 21 islands, dugong habitat.
Remember
Gulf of Mannar BR 1989; GAP II merged into NRCP 1996; ENVIS 1982.
Common mistakes
- Doubting that GAP II was merged with the NRCP.
- Not knowing what the ENVIS network of centres is.
- Thinking a museum cannot be part of environment education.
Exam tip
When every statement is a plain programme fact, 'all correct' is likely.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Biosphere Reserves of India
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — ENVIS (Environmental Information System) and National Museum of Natural History pages