UPSC Prelims 2022 Q75: Environment & Ecology – Environmental Governance & Legislation
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act,
1986?
- (a) Central Water Commission
- (b) Central Ground Water Board
- (c) Central Ground Water Authority
- (d) National Water Development Agency
Answer: (c) Central Ground Water Authority
Explanation
Water bodies and their legal basis
| Body | How it was created | Under EPA 1986? |
|---|---|---|
| Central Water Commission | Executive order (1945), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti | No |
| Central Ground Water Board | Resolution (1970), a subordinate office | No |
| Central Ground Water Authority | Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, in 1997 | Yes |
| National Water Development Agency | Registered society (1982) for river interlinking studies | No |
The CGWA was set up on Supreme Court directions to regulate groundwater extraction and issue No Objection Certificates.
Answer: (c) Central Ground Water Authority.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Central Water Commission dates to 1945 and was set up by executive order.
- (b) Incorrect. The CGWB is a 1970 scientific body, not a statutory authority under the EPA.
- (c) CORRECT. The CGWA was constituted in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the EPA, 1986.
- (d) Incorrect. The NWDA is a registered society set up in 1982 for river-link studies.
Key point
Central Ground Water Authority = constituted in 1997 under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to regulate groundwater extraction.
Remember
CGWA = EPA 1986, Section 3(3), 1997.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the CGWB (Board, scientific survey) with the CGWA (Authority, regulator).
- Assuming the older Central Water Commission has a statutory basis in the EPA.
- Not knowing that Section 3(3) of the EPA lets the Centre create authorities.
Exam tip
Board studies; Authority regulates. The EPA-created body is always the one with regulatory power.
Sources
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — Section 3(3)
- Central Ground Water Authority — Constitution and functions