How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?T

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2018 UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Environment & Ecology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2018 question covers Environmental Impact Assessment & Green Tribunals topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2018 Environment & Ecology question has a medium difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — 2 onlyStep-by-step Solution:Statement 1 — NGT was established by an Act while CPCB was created by executive order: This is incorrect. Both bodies were established by Acts of Parliament, not executive orders. The NGT was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The CPCB is also a statutory organisation constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Neither was created merely by executive order. ✗Statement 2 — NGT provides environmental justice and reduces court burden; CPCB promotes cleanliness of water bodies and air quality: This is correct. The NGT's mandate is to provide speedy environmental justice and reduce the burden of litigation in higher courts — it aims to dispose of cases within 6 months. The CPCB's principal functions under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 are to promote cleanliness of streams and wells and to improve air quality by preventing and controlling pollution. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A (1 only): Statement 1 is factually wrong — CPCB is also a statutory body established by Parliament, not by executive order.Option C (Both 1 and 2): Statement 1 is incorrect.Option D (Neither 1 nor 2): Statement 2 is correct.Key Concept: The NGT (est. 2010) is a specialised judicial body for fast disposal of environmental cases. It has five benches across India with New Delhi as the principal seat. The CPCB (est. 1974) is a technical and advisory body under MoEFCC that monitors pollution levels, issues guidelines, and takes enforcement action. Both are statutory bodies, but with fundamentally different mandates — judicial vs. regulatory/technical.

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