UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2018

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government. 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

2 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is wrong: the CPCB is a statutory body constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (and also has powers under the Air Act, 1981); it was not created by an executive order. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. Statement 2 correctly describes the functions of both bodies.

Topics: environmental governance, environment and ecology, ngt vs cpcb, statutory environmental bodies