Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Central Ground Water Authority
The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to regulate and control the development and management of groundwater resources in the country. It is the only body among the given options that derives its statutory authority directly from the EPA, 1986.
❌ Option 1 – Central Water Commission (Incorrect): Established in 1945 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for water resource planning and development, but not constituted under EPA, 1986.
❌ Option 2 – Central Ground Water Board (Incorrect): A subordinate organization established in 1970 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, functioning as the technical arm of CGWA, but not constituted under EPA, 1986.
❌ Option 4 – National Water Development Agency (Incorrect): An autonomous agency established in 1982 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, focusing on interstate water disputes and interlinking of rivers, but not constituted under EPA, 1986.
📝 Short Notes: Water Resource Management Bodies in India
| Body | Year of Establishment | Legal Basis | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) | 1996 | Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 - Section 3(3) | Regulation and control of groundwater development and management |
| Central Water Commission (CWC) | 1945 | Government of India Resolution | Water resource planning, development, and management |
| Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) | 1970 | Government of India Resolution | Technical arm providing hydrogeological data and expertise |
| National Water Development Agency (NWDA) | 1982 | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Interstate water disputes, feasibility studies, river interlinking projects |
Question 1 of 2 Environment Protection Act, 1986
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First question in this topic
Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the...