Question

Which of the following is included in the Central Government's power under Section 3(2)(ii) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

• A. Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution
• B. Laying down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects
• C. Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution
• D. Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution

Hint:

For Environment Protection Act questions, remember that Section 3 is the most important section because it grants wide powers to the Central Government for environmental protection. Questions are often asked by mentioning a specific subsection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection in India. The Act grants extensive powers to the Central Government for preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution. Section 3 of the Act is one of its most important provisions. It empowers the Central Government to take all necessary measures for protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing environmental hazards.

Step 1: Understanding the objective of Section 3.
Section 3(1) authorizes the Central Government to take such measures as it deems necessary for protecting and improving environmental quality. This broad power enables the Government to coordinate activities of different authorities, frame standards, collect information and undertake environmental programmes.

Step 2: Examining the provisions of Section 3(2).
Section 3(2) lists various specific powers that may be exercised by the Central Government. These include:

• Planning and execution of nationwide environmental programmes.

• Coordination of actions of State Governments.

• Laying down standards for environmental quality.

• Restricting industrial activities in certain areas.

• Collection and dissemination of environmental information.

• Conducting investigations and research.

Step 3: Identifying the exact provision mentioned in the question.
The question specifically asks about Section 3(2)(ii). This clause deals with: Collection and dissemination of information relating to environmental pollution. Therefore, the wording given in Option (C) directly corresponds to the statutory provision.

Step 4: Matching the correct option.
Among all the alternatives: 0.9 Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution is the provision specifically covered under Section 3(2)(ii). Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (C) is correct}} \]

Answer 2

Section 3(2) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 lists a series of specific powers under separate sub-clauses. Answering this question means matching each option to the sub-clause it actually belongs to, not just recognizing it as a power the Central Government has.

1. Carrying out and sponsoring investigations and research relating to problems of environmental pollution: this function exists under Section 3(2), but it sits under a separate sub-clause dealing specifically with research and investigation, not under clause (ii).
2. Laying down standards for the quality of the environment in its various aspects: standard-setting is also a real power under Section 3(2), but again it is housed in its own distinct sub-clause rather than clause (ii).
3. Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution: this is the specific function assigned to clause (ii) of Section 3(2), covering the gathering and circulation of pollution-related data and information.
4. Planning and execution of a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution: this nationwide-programme power is real too, but it corresponds to a different sub-clause of Section 3(2), not clause (ii).

All four options describe genuine powers under Section 3(2), which is what makes this question test precision rather than general awareness. Only the information-collection function is the one placed under clause (ii) specifically.

Hence, the correct answer is Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution.