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Q96 (IAS/2014) Environment & Ecology › Environment Laws, Policies & Institutions (India) › Environmental Regulatory Bodies Official Key

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?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B (statements 2 and 3 only).

**Statement 1 is incorrect**: Animal Welfare Board was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act[1], not under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

**Statement 2 is correct**: The Amendment Act of 2006 provides for the constitution of a statutory authority known as the National Tiger Conservation Authority to aid in the implementation of measures for the conservation of the tiger[2]. This clearly establishes its statutory nature.

**Statement 3 is correct**: The Government also established the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), chaired by the Prime Minister, with the objective to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga[3].

Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making option B the right answer.

Sources
  1. [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 19: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): > p. 228
  2. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.14. GANGA ACTION PLAN > p. 59
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
50%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements : 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. Na…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6.7/10 · 3.3/10

This is a classic 'Body-Act-Chair' matrix question. The trap in Statement 1 relies on chronological blindness—confusing the umbrella Environment Protection Act (1986) with older specific laws like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960). Success here requires a tabular memory of Body vs. Parent Act.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Was the Animal Welfare Board of India established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"1. Animal Welfare Board was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act"
Why this source?
  • Directly states the year and statutory provision under which AWBI was established.
  • Identifies the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960), not the Environment (Protection) Act (1986), as the founding statute.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"**Ans . B** 1. Animal Welfare Board was established"
Why this source?
  • Shows the exam-style question that lists the (incorrect) claim about AWBI being under the Environment (Protection) Act and provides the official answer.
  • The answer indicated (Ans. B) that the statement about AWBI being under the Environment (Protection) Act is not correct, and then notes AWBI's correct establishment.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 27: Environmental Organizations > 27.1. THE ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA > p. 381
Strength: 5/5
“• The Animal Welfare Board of India is a statutory advisory body on animal welfare laws and promotes animal welfare in the country. • The Animal Welfare Board of India, the first of its kind to be established by any government in the world, was set up in 1962, in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960. • Shrimati Rukmini Devi Arundale pioneered the setting up of the Board, with its headquarters at Chennai.”
Why relevant

Directly states the Animal Welfare Board of India was set up in 1962 in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

How to extend

Knowing the Board's 1962 origin, a student can note it predates the 1986 Environment (Protection) Act and so likely was not established under that later Act.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 11: Irrigation in India > CENTRAL GROUND WATER AUTHORITY (CGWA) > p. 368
Strength: 4/5
“It was set-up in 1997 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate and control the development and management of ground water resources in the country. It regulates and controls the management and development of ground water in the country and issues necessary regulatory directions for the purpose.”
Why relevant

Gives an example of a statutory body (Central Ground Water Authority) that was explicitly set up under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (in 1997).

How to extend

A student can use this pattern—bodies established under the EPA are dated after 1986—to check whether the AWBI's establishment date fits that pattern.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Environmental Legislation > p. 725
Strength: 4/5
“An outcome of the Bhopal tragedy was the increase in environmental awareness and activism in India. Rajiv Gandhi as prime minister responded positively. In 1986 came the Environment Protection Act (EPA) under which the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) was created with overall responsibility for administering and enforcing environmental laws and policies. EPA gave authority to the Centre to issue direct orders to close, prohibit or regulate any industry. An enabling law, it delegates wide powers to the executive, allowing it to make rules to manage different issues. In 1987,”
Why relevant

Describes the EPA (1986) as an enabling law that allowed creation of bodies and delegated powers to the Centre (e.g., MoEF created under EPA).

How to extend

A student can apply the rule that EPA-based bodies and ministries emerged after 1986, so an organization founded in 1962 would not be an EPA creation.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.3. ENVIRONMENT (PRoTECTIetr) > p. 72
Strength: 3/5
“• As compared to all other Oa.rrou, laws on environment protection, the' Environment (Protection) Act, Lq86 is a more effective and bold measure to fight the problem of pollution. • The genesis ofthe Environmental (protection) Act, 1986, thus, is in Article 48A [Directive principles of State Policy) and Article S1A (g) (Fundamental Duties) of the Indian Constitution. • The Act empowers the Central Government to take all appropriate measures to prevent and control”
Why relevant

Explains the scope and empowering nature of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986—empowering the Central Government to take measures and create machinery for environmental protection.

How to extend

A student can infer that bodies whose mandate is explicitly environmental and created after 1986 might be under EPA, while older non-environment-specific boards likely originate from earlier Acts.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Table I Main Environmental Laws of India > p. 88
Strength: 3/5
“• Environmental Law: 1972; Salient Features: Te Wildlife (Protection) Act. • Environmental Law: 1986; Salient Features: Te Environmental Protection Act All aspects of environmental laws in India are now included under the Environmental Protection Act which was enacted in 1986 after Bhopal Gas Tragedy. • Environmental Law: 1989; Salient Features: (i) Te hazardous waste (Management) Rules are meant to control the generation, col lection, treatment, import, storage and handling of hazardous waste.”
Why relevant

Summarizes that many environmental laws were subsumed under the Environmental Protection Act (1986) and that major environmental legislation dates are listed (e.g., 1972, 1986).

How to extend

A student could use these dates as a timeline: if AWBI is dated 1962, it falls outside the cohort of EPA-era creations.

Statement 2
Is the National Tiger Conservation Authority in India a statutory body?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 19: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): > p. 228
Presence: 5/5
“19:r. .National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): o The Amendment Act of 2006 provides for the constitution of a statutory authority known as the National Tiger Conservation Authority to aid in the implementation of measures for the conservation of the tiger.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Amendment Act of 2006 provides for constitution of a statutory authority called the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
  • Directly links the NTCA's origin to legislation (Amendment Act of 2006), which defines a statutory body.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Contd.) > p. 89
Presence: 4/5
“(Contd.) • Environmental Law: 1958; Salient Features: Te Kerala Agricultural Pests and Disease Act. • Environmental Law: 1963; Salient Features: Te Gujarat Smoke Nuisance, Act. Wildlife Act • Environmental Law: 2006; Salient Features: Wildlife (Protection) Act. Tis Act provides provision for the creation of Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wild Life Control Bureau). Te ofenders shall be punished for not less than 3 years which may extend up to 7 years, and also with fne not less than Rs.50,000/- which may extend up to”
Why this source?
  • Notes the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 2006 provides for creation of Tiger Conservation Authority and related statutory institutions.
  • Corroborates that the NTCA (Tiger Conservation Authority) was established through the 2006 Act, indicating statutory status.
Statement 3
Is the National Ganga River Basin Authority in India chaired by the Prime Minister?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.14. GANGA ACTION PLAN > p. 59
Presence: 5/5
“The Ganga Action Plan was launched on 14th January 86 with the main objective of pollution abatement, to improve water quality by interception, diversion and treatment of domestic sewage and toxic and industrial chemical tvastes present, from identified grossly polluting units entering in to the river' After reviewing the effectiveness of the "Ganga Action Plan", the Government announced the "Mission Clean Ganga" project on 31st December, 20zo with the objective that by 202o, no municipal sewage and industrial waste would be released into the river without treatment, with the total budget of around Rs.5,ooo crore. The Government also established the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), chaired by the Prime Minister, with the objective to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga, by adopting a river basin approach for comprehensive planning and management.”
Why this source?
  • Snippet explicitly states the Government established the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) 'chaired by the Prime Minister'.
  • Direct mention ties the NGRBA's chairmanship to the Prime Minister and links it to the Mission Clean Ganga/Ganga Action Plan context.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 20: Prime Minister > Other Powers &- Functions > p. 209
Presence: 3/5
“In addition to the above-mentioned three major roles, the Prime Minister has various other roles. These are: • He/she is the chairman of the NITI Aayog (which succeeded the Planning Commission), National Integration Council, Inter-State Council, National Water Resources Council and some other bodies. • He/she plays a significant role in shaping the foreign policy of the country. • He/ she is the chief spokesman of the Union government. • He/ she is the crisis manager-in-chief at the political level during emergencies. • 5 Thus, the Prime Minister plays a very significant and highly crucial role in the politico-administrative system of the country.”
Why this source?
  • Lists several major national bodies (NITI Aayog, National Integration Council, Inter-State Council, National Water Resources Council) that the Prime Minister chairs, showing precedent for PM chairing national authorities.
  • Supports the pattern that the Prime Minister commonly chairs high-level national coordinating bodies, reinforcing plausibility of [4].
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 68: National Disaster Management Authority > L ESTABLISHMENT > p. 516
Presence: 3/5
“The NOMA consists of a chairperson and other members, not exceeding nine. The Prime Minister is the ex-officio chairperson of the NOMA. The other members are nominated by the chairperson of the NOMA. The chairperson of the NOMA designates one of the members as the vice-chairperson of the NDMA. The vice-chairperson has the status of a Cabinet Minister while the other members have the status of a Minister of State. The NDMA is the apex body for disaster management in the country. It works under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.”
Why this source?
  • States the Prime Minister is ex-officio chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), another apex body chaired by the PM.
  • Provides an additional example of the PM serving as chair of a national authority, corroborating the governance role noted in [4].
Pattern takeaway: UPSC consistently swaps the 'Parent Act' or the 'Chairperson' to create false statements. They exploit the confusion between the 'Environment Protection Act, 1986' (the umbrella) and specific sectoral acts (Water, Air, Wildlife, Animal Cruelty).
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Standard/Fair. Covered in Shankar IAS (Environment) and Laxmikanth (Polity). Statement 1 is the differentiator.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Institutional Framework of Environmental Governance (Statutory Bodies vs. Executive Bodies).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize this matrix: 1. NBWL (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) -> Chair: PM. 2. CPCB (Water Act, 1974) -> Chair: Govt Appointee. 3. NTCA (WPA, 1972 via 2006 Amdt) -> Chair: Environment Minister. 4. NGT (NGT Act, 2010) -> Chair: Retired Judge. 5. Biodiversity Authority (Biological Diversity Act, 2002).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Never read a body in isolation. Always ask three questions: Which Act created it? Who chairs it (PM vs. Minister)? Is it statutory or executive? If the body is 'National' and 'High Profile' (like Ganga or Wildlife), the PM is usually the chair.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Legislative origin of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
💡 The insight

Reference [1] states AWBI was set up in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, directly addressing the AWBI’s statutory basis.

High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask the legal basis and year of statutory bodies. Knowing the specific parent Act helps distinguish sectoral institutions (animal welfare vs environment). Connects to governance/legislation topics and helps answer 'which body created under which Act' type MCQs and mains facts. Prepare by memorising key bodies with their founding Acts and years from reliable compendiums.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 27: Environmental Organizations > 27.1. THE ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA > p. 381
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Animal Welfare Board of India established under the Environment (Protect..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — scope and institutional powers
💡 The insight

Multiple references ([2], [5], [8]) describe the EPA 1986 as an enabling environmental law and note agencies set up under it (e.g., CGWA in [8]), clarifying the EPA’s domain and the kinds of bodies it establishes.

Important because UPSC questions test the scope and consequences of landmark Acts (EPA 1986). Knowing EPA is an enabling Act that created environment-regulatory mechanisms (not animal-welfare boards) helps eliminate wrong options. Study approach: map major environmental Acts, their powers, and notable bodies created under them (with examples).

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > 7.1.INDIAN POLICIES REQUIRING EIA > p. 128
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.3. ENVIRONMENT (PRoTECTIetr) > p. 72
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 11: Irrigation in India > CENTRAL GROUND WATER AUTHORITY (CGWA) > p. 368
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Animal Welfare Board of India established under the Environment (Protect..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Distinguishing sectoral legislation: animal-welfare Acts vs environmental Acts
💡 The insight

Evidence contrasts AWBI’s creation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (reference [1]) with the EPA 1986’s remit and later institutional creations (references [2], [8]), highlighting different legal domains.

Crucial for precision in answer-writing and MCQ elimination—UPSC often tests which body/issue falls under which law. Master by categorising major Acts by subject (wildlife, pollution, animal cruelty) and linking each to bodies/institutions mentioned in standard sources.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 27: Environmental Organizations > 27.1. THE ANIMAL WELFARE BOARD OF INDIA > p. 381
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 7: Environmental Impact Assessment > 7.1.INDIAN POLICIES REQUIRING EIA > p. 128
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 11: Irrigation in India > CENTRAL GROUND WATER AUTHORITY (CGWA) > p. 368
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Animal Welfare Board of India established under the Environment (Protect..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Statutory bodies (constitution by Act)
💡 The insight

The NTCA is described as being constituted by the Amendment Act of 2006, illustrating creation of bodies by statute.

High-yield for Governance/Polity: UPSC often asks differences between constitutional, statutory and executive bodies, their legitimacy and functions. Understanding how Acts create statutory authorities helps answer questions on institutional design, delegation of powers, and accountability. Learn by mapping key bodies to their enabling laws and practising comparative questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 19: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): > p. 228
🔗 Anchor: "Is the National Tiger Conservation Authority in India a statutory body?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 2006 as an institutional instrument
💡 The insight

References show the 2006 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act created/provided for the NTCA and related agencies.

Important for Environment & Governance: Questions often probe statutory frameworks for conservation and the institutions they establish. Knowing which laws set up which authorities aids answers on policy, legal powers, and implementation. Study the Act's major provisions and the bodies it creates for synoptic answers.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Contd.) > p. 89
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 19: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): > p. 228
🔗 Anchor: "Is the National Tiger Conservation Authority in India a statutory body?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 NTCA's functional role in tiger reserve notifications
💡 The insight

One reference indicates State Governments notify tiger reserves on recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, showing a defined statutory function.

Useful for UPSC mains and prelims: Understanding specific statutory functions (e.g., advisory/recommendatory power vs. executive power) connects to questions on centre-state relations, wildlife governance, and implementation challenges. Prepare by linking functions to institutional setup and real-world examples.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.r.r. Tiger Reserve > p. 227
🔗 Anchor: "Is the National Tiger Conservation Authority in India a statutory body?"
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Prime Minister as chair of national authorities
💡 The insight

Multiple references show the PM chairs or is ex‑officio chair of high-level national bodies (NGRBA, NITI Aayog, NDMA), directly relevant to the statement.

High-yield for polity questions: UPSC often asks about institutional leadership and who heads key councils/authorities. Understanding this pattern helps answer questions on administrative oversight and inter‑ministerial coordination. Study approach: memorise major bodies chaired by the PM and note statutory vs. advisory bodies; link to chapters on executive powers and national institutions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 20: Prime Minister > Other Powers &- Functions > p. 209
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 68: National Disaster Management Authority > L ESTABLISHMENT > p. 516
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 4: Aquatic Ecosystem > 4.14. GANGA ACTION PLAN > p. 59
🔗 Anchor: "Is the National Ganga River Basin Authority in India chaired by the Prime Minist..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is NOT constituted under the Environment Protection Act or the Air Act. It is constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This is a frequent potential trap similar to the AWBI statement.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use Chronological Logic. The Environment Protection Act came in 1986 (post-Bhopal Gas Tragedy). The Animal Welfare Board (associated with Rukmini Devi Arundale) has a Gandhian legacy and feels older. If you knew AWBI was established in the 1960s, it logically cannot be under a 1986 Act.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Federalism): Bodies like NGRBA (now National Ganga Council) represent 'Cooperative Federalism' as they involve the PM and Chief Ministers of river-basin states, unlike the NTCA which is more centralized under the MoEFCC.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2019 · Q58 Relevance score: 3.67

Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1. state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought 2. lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2020 · Q8 Relevance score: 2.17

Consider the following statements : 1. 36% of India's districts are classified as "overexploited" or "critical" by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). 2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act. 3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2022 · Q19 Relevance score: 2.17

With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2001 · Q35 Relevance score: 1.54

Consider the following statements regarding environment issues of India: I. Gulf of Manner 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 non-formal 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 ?

IAS · 2022 · Q29 Relevance score: 1.42

With reference to the "Tea Board" in India, consider the following statements : 1. The Tea Board is a statutory body. 2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. 3. The Tea Board's Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. 4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow. Which of the statements given above are correct ?