UPSC Prelims 2014 Q96: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
Consider the following statements :
1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Three environment-related bodies
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 | Incorrect | It was set up in 1962 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 |
| 2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body | Correct | Created by the 2006 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister | Correct | Set up in 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act |
More on each:
| Body | Note |
|---|---|
| Animal Welfare Board | Started under Rukmini Devi Arundale |
| National Tiger Conservation Authority | Chaired by the Environment Minister; runs Project Tiger |
| National Ganga River Basin Authority | Replaced in 2016 by the National Ganga Council |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board is under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
- (b) CORRECT. The Tiger Authority is statutory, and the Ganga Authority was chaired by the Prime Minister.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
Key point
Animal Welfare Board: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. NTCA: statutory, Wildlife Act (2006 amendment). NGRBA (2009): chaired by the Prime Minister.
Remember
NTCA = statutory; NGRBA = Prime Minister.
Common mistakes
- Placing the Animal Welfare Board under the Environment Act.
- Thinking the Prime Minister chairs the Tiger Authority; the Environment Minister does.
- Forgetting that the NGRBA was replaced in 2016.
Exam tip
Match the body to its own Act: animals - cruelty Act; tigers - Wildlife Act; Ganga - Environment Act.
Sources
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
- Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006