When the Environment (Protection) Act for the protection and preservation of environment was passed by the Government of India?

1. A

   1971

   Option (a) claims the Environment Protection Act was passed in 1971. This year does not correspond to the enactment of this specific umbrella legislation, making this choice incorrect.

2. B

   1974

   Option (b) suggests the Act was passed in 1974. Although the Water Act was enacted in 1974, it is not the correct year for the Environment Protection Act, rendering this option wrong.

3. C

   1981

   Option (c) states that the legislation was enacted in 1981. While the Air Act was passed in 1981, this is earlier than the comprehensive environmental law, so this choice is not the key.

4. D

   1986

   Option (d) asserts that the Environment (Protection) Act was passed by the Government of India in 1986. Following the tragic Bhopal gas tragedy, the Parliament enacted this comprehensive legislation under Article 253 of the Constitution to protect and improve the environment, making this the correct and official key.

Summary. Official key is (d) because the Environment Protection Act was enacted in 1986. Students often confuse this umbrella legislation with earlier sectoral laws like the Water Act of 1974 or the Air Act of 1981. The 1986 Act provides a framework for the coordination of central and state authorities established under previous laws. It empowers the central government to take all necessary measures to protect and improve environmental quality. Therefore, only option (d) correctly identifies the year of its enactment.