Consider the following statements:The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to1.state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought2.lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sourcesWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A

   1 only

   (a) 1 only. Statement 2 is also correct: section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 expressly lets the Centre lay down emission and discharge standards. Dropping 2 is not the key.

2. B

   2 only

   (b) 2 only. Statement 1 is also accepted: the Act’s rule-making power has been used to require public participation (notably EIA public hearing). Dropping 1 is not the key.

3. C

   Both 1 and 2

   (c) Both 1 and 2. EPA 1986 empowers the Central Government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, including standards for emission or discharge from various sources, and to frame the procedure for public participation used in environmental clearance. Both limbs are treated as correct. That is the official key.

4. D

   Neither 1 nor 2

   (d) Neither 1 nor 2. Both statements stand on the official key, so this option is wrong.

Summary. Official key is (c). The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is the umbrella statute. Section 3 covers emission and discharge standards. The same power has been used to prescribe public hearing and participation in the EIA process. Neither statement is rejected. Honour (c).