← AD (Town Planning)
Past Questions — 2026
Which Indian city serves as a primary example of ‘Sector-based’ neighborhood planning?
A)
New Delhi
B)
Chandigarh
C)
Varanasi
D)
Kolkata
Chandigarh is the quintessential example of 'Sector-based' planning in India. Designed by Le Corbusier, the city is organized into a grid of self-sufficient 'Sectors' (typically 800m x 1200m). Each sector is designed as a neighborhood unit that provides residents with essential services (schools, shopping centers, health clinics, and parks) within walking distance, minimizing the need for long-distance travel for daily needs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- New Delhi: While it features planned elements (like Lutyens' Delhi), it is characterized by concentric circles and radial roads rather than a uniform sector-based neighborhood system.
- Varanasi: This is an example of an organic, ancient city with a dense, unplanned fabric centered around the ghats and temples.
- Kolkata: This city grew organically over time with a colonial influence, characterized by a mix of planned European areas and unplanned indigenous settlements, not a sector-based grid.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is:
A)
Demographic study
B)
Cradle-to-grave
C)
Structural lifespan
D)
Health audit
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic tool used in environmental science to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life. This approach is commonly referred to as 'cradle-to-grave' because it encompasses every stage: raw material extraction (cradle), processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal or recycling (grave).
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Demographic study: This refers to the statistical study of human populations (e.g., age, income, education), which is unrelated to environmental product assessment.
- c. Structural lifespan: This refers to the duration for which a physical structure (like a building or bridge) remains functional before requiring major repair or replacement; it is a subset of engineering, not a holistic environmental assessment.
- d. Health audit: This is a systematic review of health records or the health status of an individual or organization, which does not measure the environmental footprint of a product.
In the context of housing, ‘Ghettoism’ usually refers to:
A)
Unique lifestyles attributed to ethnic groups
B)
Social isolation or segregation of a specific group in a specific area
C)
Economical isolation or segregation of a specific group in a specific area
D)
Efficient transport planning
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Definition: In sociology and urban planning, 'Ghettoism' refers to the process or state of a minority group being forced or choosing to live in a particular section of a city. 2. Nature of Segregation: While economic factors often play a role, ghettoism is fundamentally a social phenomenon characterized by social isolation and segregation based on ethnicity, race, religion, or caste. 3. Evaluating Options: Option (a) describes cultural traits, not spatial segregation. Option (c) focuses solely on 'economical' isolation; while poverty is often present, ghettoism is defined by the social and spatial boundary created around a specific group. Option (d) is unrelated to the sociological concept of housing. 4. Conclusion: Option (b) accurately captures the essence of ghettoism as the social isolation or segregation of a specific group within a defined geographic area.
Housing’s macro-economic impact is strongest through:
A)
Inflation control and tax relaxation
B)
Foreign exchange
C)
Multiplier effect on allied industries
D)
Trade balance
In housing economics, the construction sector is recognized as a primary driver of macroeconomic growth due to its high 'multiplier effect.' This means that an investment in housing does not only benefit the builder but creates a ripple effect across a vast network of allied industries. For example, building a house requires cement, steel, bricks, glass, electrical fittings, plumbing, and paint, thereby stimulating the manufacturing sector. Additionally, it creates direct employment for laborers and indirect employment for transport and logistics services.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While housing policies can be influenced by tax relaxations, housing itself is often a driver of inflation (through real estate bubbles) rather than a tool for inflation control.
- Option (b): Foreign exchange is primarily impacted by exports/imports of goods and services; while foreign direct investment (FDI) in real estate exists, it is not the primary channel of housing's overall macroeconomic impact.
- Option (d): Trade balance refers to the difference between a country's imports and exports. While construction materials may be imported, the core macroeconomic strength of the housing sector lies in domestic production and employment rather than international trade balances.
The DPSIR framework in environmental planning stands for:
A)
Development–Policy–System–Impact–Response
B)
Driving forces–Pressures–State–Impact–Response
C)
Demand–Population–Supply–Impact–Recovery
D)
Data–Planning–System–Impact–Regulation
The DPSIR framework is a causal chain used by environmental agencies (such as the European Environment Agency) to describe the interactions between society and the environment.
1. **Driving forces (D):** These are the underlying social, economic, or demographic factors that lead to environmental pressure (e.g., population growth, industrialization, urban expansion).
2. **Pressures (P):** These are the direct stresses placed on the environment resulting from the driving forces (e.g., emission of greenhouse gases, waste discharge, deforestation).
3. **State (S):** This refers to the physical, chemical, or biological condition of the environment at a specific time (e.g., air quality index, water purity levels, forest cover percentage).
4. **Impact (I):** These are the consequences of the changed state on human health, ecosystems, or the economy (e.g., increased respiratory diseases, loss of biodiversity, crop failure).
5. **Response (R):** These are the actions taken by society or policymakers to address the problem and mitigate the impacts (e.g., environmental laws, carbon taxes, reforestation programs).
Options a, c, and d are incorrect as they use terms that do not align with the standardized environmental planning model developed for assessing environmental indicators.
Delhi’s DDA housing layouts broadly follow:
A)
Grid model
B)
Industrial model
C)
Neighborhood unit concept
D)
Radburn model
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) housing layouts are fundamentally based on the 'Neighborhood Unit' concept, popularized by Clarence Perry in the 1920s. This planning model focuses on creating self-sufficient residential clusters where essential services—such as primary schools, local shops, and community centers—are located within walking distance of all residents, typically centered around a school or park. This minimizes the need for residents to cross major arterial roads, thereby enhancing safety and fostering community social interaction.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Grid model: While some parts of Delhi (like Lutyens' Delhi) use a modified grid or radial system, the broad housing layout strategy for residential colonies follows the neighborhood unit rather than a strict, uniform grid.
- b. Industrial model: This refers to zoning for manufacturing and logistics, which is the opposite of the residential housing layouts designed by the DDA.
- d. Radburn model: The Radburn model is a specific variation of the neighborhood unit that emphasizes the complete separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic (cul-de-sacs and superblocks). While some DDA layouts incorporate elements of Radburn, the overarching guiding principle for the general layout of Delhi's residential sectors is the broader Neighborhood Unit concept.
After 2006 Amendment the EIA cycle comprises of four stages:
A)
Screening, Impact prediction, Public hearing, Appraisal
B)
Screening, Collection of baseline data, Risk assessment, Appraisal
C)
Screening, Impact prediction, Mitigation measures, EIA report
D)
Screening, Scoping, Public hearing, Appraisal
Under the EIA Notification 2006 (issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India), the Environmental Impact Assessment process is structured into four primary stages to determine the environmental feasibility of a project.
1. **Screening**: This is the first step to determine whether a project requires a full EIA study based on its category (Category A or B). Category A projects require mandatory EIA, while Category B projects are further screened to see if they require a full EIA (B1) or not (B2).
2. **Scoping**: In this stage, the 'Terms of Reference' (ToR) are determined. It defines the boundaries of the study and the specific environmental concerns that need to be addressed in the EIA report.
3. **Public Hearing**: This is a mandatory consultation process where the local affected people and stakeholders are informed about the project and are given an opportunity to voice their concerns and objections.
4. **Appraisal**: This is the final stage where the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) scrutinizes the final EIA report and the outcomes of the public hearing to recommend the grant or rejection of Environmental Clearance (EC).
Other options are incorrect because 'Impact prediction', 'Collection of baseline data', and 'Mitigation measures' are technical components/activities that occur *within* the Scoping and EIA report preparation phase, but they are not the overarching administrative 'stages' of the 2006 regulatory cycle.
In housing ‘Suitability Analysis,’ which factor is considered a ‘Constraint’?
A)
Proximity to jobs
B)
High seismic risk or steep slopes
C)
Good groundwater
D)
Low land price
In Land Use Planning and Suitability Analysis, factors are generally categorized into 'Factors' (which influence the degree of suitability) and 'Constraints' (which act as limiting conditions that can make a site unsuitable regardless of other benefits).
1. **Constraints (Option b):** High seismic risk and steep slopes are physical or environmental constraints. Steep slopes increase construction costs and the risk of landslides, while high seismic risk poses a direct threat to life and infrastructure. These are often treated as 'exclusionary' or 'limiting' criteria in a GIS-based suitability model.
2. **Factors/Advantages (Options a, c, d):**
- Proximity to jobs (a) is a positive factor that increases the desirability and suitability of a location for housing.
- Good groundwater (c) is a resource advantage that enhances suitability.
- Low land price (d) is an economic incentive that makes a site more attractive for development.
Therefore, since constraints are conditions that hinder or prohibit development, high seismic risk and steep slopes are the only constraints listed.
Data on ‘households with one or more married couples sharing a room with a person aged 12 years or more’ is used for computing:
A)
House density
B)
Housing shortage
C)
Housing price
D)
Housing affordability
The data described—'households with one or more married couples sharing a room with a person aged 12 years or more'—is a standard metric used to identify 'overcrowding.' In housing analysis and census data (such as those used by the UN and various national statistical offices), overcrowding is a primary indicator of a housing shortage. When families are forced to share rooms beyond a reasonable social or biological threshold (e.g., a married couple sharing a room with a teenager), it signifies that there are not enough adequate housing units available to accommodate the population's needs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. House density: This refers to the number of housing units per unit of land area (e.g., units per acre), not the internal occupancy of a room.
- c. Housing price: This is a monetary value determined by market forces, not by the internal room-sharing arrangements of a household.
- d. Housing affordability: This is the relationship between household income and housing costs (e.g., spending more than 30% of income on rent/mortgage), not the physical overcrowding of a room.
Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to a housing shortage?
A)
Limited flat land
B)
Competing land use
C)
Low birth rates
D)
Rural-urban migration
To determine which factor does NOT contribute to a housing shortage, we must analyze how each option affects the supply and demand of housing:
1. **Limited flat land (Option a):** This restricts the physical space available for construction. When land is scarce or unsuitable for building, the supply of new housing cannot keep up with demand, contributing to a shortage.
2. **Competing land use (Option b):** Land is a finite resource. When land is used for industrial zones, commercial hubs, parks, or agriculture instead of residential development, it reduces the available land for housing, thereby contributing to a shortage.
3. **Low birth rates (Option c):** Birth rates affect the demand side of the housing equation. Low birth rates lead to slower population growth. A slower increase in population reduces the pressure on the housing market, meaning fewer new homes are needed. Therefore, low birth rates typically alleviate or prevent a housing shortage rather than contributing to one.
4. **Rural-urban migration (Option d):** This causes a rapid increase in the urban population. When a large number of people move from rural areas to cities, the demand for urban housing spikes. If the construction rate cannot match this migration speed, a housing shortage occurs.
Since options a, b, and d all increase the gap between housing supply and demand, while option c decreases it, 'Low birth rates' is the correct answer.
What is the mandatory registration requirement under RERA?
A)
All residential projects
B)
Projects over 500 sqm
C)
Projects with more than 8 apartments
D)
Both a and b
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), registration is mandatory for all real estate projects that exceed a specific threshold to prevent small-scale constructions from being overburdened by regulatory compliance. According to Section 3(2) of the Act, registration is NOT required for projects where the area of land, proposed to be developed across its entirety, does not exceed five hundred square meters. Conversely, this means that any project exceeding 500 square meters of land must be registered with the Authority.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because not 'all' residential projects require registration; those under 500 sqm are exempt.
- Option (c) is incorrect because the threshold for registration is based on the land area (sqm) or the number of apartments (usually 8 or more), but the 500 sqm rule is the primary land-based metric defined in the Act. While some state rules mention 8 apartments, the standard statutory threshold often cited in competitive exams regarding land area is 500 sqm.
- Option (d) is incorrect because (a) is false.
What is an isogram on a map?
A)
A point representing the unique value of a quantity in an area
B)
A line representing the difference in elevation in two areas
C)
A line representing an equal value of a given quantity
D)
An area representing a range of temperatures
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Etymology: The term 'isogram' is derived from the Greek words 'isos' meaning 'equal' and 'gramma' meaning 'line'. 2. Definition: In cartography and geography, an isogram (or isoline) is a line drawn on a map connecting points that have the same value for a particular variable. 3. Examples: Common types of isograms include isotherms (equal temperature), isobars (equal atmospheric pressure), and contours/isohypses (equal elevation). 4. Analysis of options: Option (a) describes a point value, not a line. Option (b) describes a gradient or difference, whereas isograms represent constant values. Option (d) describes an area (choropleth or isarithmic area), whereas an isogram is specifically a line. Therefore, option (c) is the only accurate definition.
The ‘heat island’ effect in cities is largely caused by:
A)
Increased tree planting
B)
Concretization and heavy vehicular traffic
C)
Lowering of industrial output
D)
Natural cooling processes
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when an urban area is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas. This is primarily caused by: 1. Concretization: Materials like concrete and asphalt have high thermal mass and low albedo, meaning they absorb and retain more solar radiation during the day and release it slowly at night. 2. Vehicular Traffic and Industry: Combustion engines and industrial processes release 'anthropogenic heat' directly into the atmosphere. 3. Lack of Vegetation: The removal of trees reduces evapotranspiration, which is a natural cooling process.
Evaluating other options:
- Option (a) 'Increased tree planting' actually mitigates the heat island effect through shading and evapotranspiration.
- Option (c) 'Lowering of industrial output' would reduce anthropogenic heat, thereby decreasing the UHI effect.
- Option (d) 'Natural cooling processes' (like wind flow and vegetation) counteract the heat island effect rather than causing it.
Which of the following pollutants is a major contributor to acid rain?
A)
Carbon dioxide
B)
Sulphur dioxide
C)
Methane
D)
Oxygen
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released into the air. These substances rise high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form mild solutions of sulfuric and nitric acid.
Step-by-step analysis of the options:
1. Sulphur dioxide (SO2): When emitted (primarily from burning fossil fuels like coal), it reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which falls as acid rain. This is a primary contributor.
2. Carbon dioxide (CO2): While CO2 dissolves in rainwater to form weak carbonic acid (making normal rain slightly acidic), it is not considered a 'pollutant' causing the destructive phenomenon known as 'acid rain'.
3. Methane (CH4): This is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, but it does not react in the atmosphere to produce acid rain.
4. Oxygen (O2): This is a natural component of the air necessary for life and does not cause acidification of precipitation.
‘Housing for All’ policy was formulated under:
A)
Twelfth Five Year Plan
B)
Tenth Five Year Plan
C)
Eleventh Five Year Plan
D)
NITI Aayog era
The 'Housing for All' mission was formally conceptualized and integrated into the planning framework during the Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-2017). The 12th Plan emphasized the need for inclusive growth and specifically highlighted the goal of providing affordable housing to all, particularly the urban poor and the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). This strategic focus later culminated in the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in 2015 to operationalize the 'Housing for All' vision.
Analysis of other options:
- Tenth and Eleventh Five Year Plans focused on poverty alleviation and basic infrastructure but did not formulate the specific 'Housing for All' policy framework.
- The NITI Aayog era (post-2015) is when the policy was implemented through schemes like PMAY, but the policy formulation and goal-setting originated within the framework of the Twelfth Five Year Plan.
What is an anti-forest conservation activity?
A)
Afforestation
B)
Preservation of wild animals
C)
Clear-felling
D)
Economy in lumbering
The question asks for an 'anti-forest conservation activity,' which refers to an action that destroys or degrades forest ecosystems rather than protecting them.
1. **Clear-felling (Option c):** This is the practice of cutting down all the trees in a given area of a forest. It leads to immediate loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and disruption of the water cycle. Therefore, it is an anti-conservation activity.
2. **Afforestation (Option a):** This is the process of planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover. This is a primary forest conservation and restoration activity.
3. **Preservation of wild animals (Option b):** Protecting wildlife is a core component of forest conservation, as animals often play critical roles in seed dispersal and maintaining the ecological balance of the forest.
4. **Economy in lumbering (Option d):** 'Economy' in this context refers to the prudent or sustainable management of timber harvesting (selective logging). By reducing waste and avoiding over-harvesting, this practice supports forest conservation.
Urban Heat Island effect is mitigated by high:
A)
Building density
B)
Thermal mass
C)
Surface albedo
D)
Pavement thickness
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the replacement of natural vegetation with heat-absorbing surfaces.
1. **Surface Albedo (Correct):** Albedo is the measure of the reflectivity of a surface. High albedo surfaces (such as white roofs or light-colored pavements) reflect a larger portion of solar radiation back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it as heat. Increasing the surface albedo of a city directly reduces the amount of heat stored in the urban fabric, thereby mitigating the UHI effect.
2. **Building Density (Incorrect):** High building density typically exacerbates UHI. It creates 'urban canyons' that trap heat and reduce wind flow (ventilation), preventing the city from cooling down at night.
3. **Thermal Mass (Incorrect):** Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to absorb and store heat. Materials like concrete and brick have high thermal mass; they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, which is a primary driver of the UHI effect.
4. **Pavement Thickness (Incorrect):** Increasing pavement thickness generally increases the volume of material available to store heat (increasing thermal mass), which contributes to higher urban temperatures rather than mitigating them.
One hectare of biologically productive space with world average productivity is:
A)
An imperial hectare
B)
A global hectare
C)
A world hectare
D)
A continental hectare
The term 'global hectare' (gha) is a standardized unit used in calculating the Ecological Footprint. While a physical hectare is a fixed unit of area (10,000 square meters), a global hectare represents a hectare with world-average biological productivity. This allows researchers to compare different types of land (such as cropland, grazing land, and forest land) on a common scale by weighting them according to their ability to produce biomass and absorb carbon.
- Option (a) 'Imperial hectare' is not a recognized scientific term; hectares are metric, not imperial.
- Option (c) 'World hectare' is a descriptive phrase but not the formal technical term used in environmental science.
- Option (d) 'Continental hectare' is not a standard unit of measurement in ecology or sustainability metrics.
‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) in EIA are issued during:
A)
Screening
B)
Scoping
C)
Appraisal
D)
Public hearing
In the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, the 'Terms of Reference' (ToR) are established during the Scoping stage.
1. **Screening (Option a):** This is the initial step to determine whether a proposed project requires a full EIA based on its scale, location, and potential impact. It decides 'if' an EIA is needed, not 'what' it should cover.
2. **Scoping (Option b):** Once it is decided that an EIA is required, the scoping process identifies the key issues, potential impacts, and boundaries of the study. The outcome of this stage is the 'Terms of Reference' (ToR), which acts as a roadmap or a set of guidelines that the project proponent must follow while preparing the detailed EIA report.
3. **Appraisal (Option c):** This is the final review stage where the regulatory authority examines the submitted EIA report and the public hearing results to decide whether to grant or refuse environmental clearance.
4. **Public Hearing (Option d):** This is a mandatory consultation process where the local affected people and stakeholders provide their opinions on the project's impact. This happens after the draft EIA report (prepared based on the ToR) is ready.
Which of the following is NOT a standard parameter to assess the drinking water quality?
A)
Total coliforms
B)
E.coli
C)
Turbidity
D)
Methane concentration
Drinking water quality is assessed based on physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters to ensure it is safe for human consumption.
1. **Total coliforms (Option a):** This is a standard microbiological parameter. Coliform bacteria are used as indicator organisms to detect the potential presence of disease-causing organisms in water.
2. **E.coli (Option b):** Escherichia coli is a specific type of coliform that specifically indicates fecal contamination, making it a critical standard parameter for drinking water safety.
3. **Turbidity (Option c):** This is a standard physical parameter. It measures the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by individual particles (suspended solids), which can shield pathogens from disinfection processes.
4. **Methane concentration (Option d):** Methane is a colorless, odorless gas typically produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter. While it may be found in groundwater or deep wells, it is not a 'standard parameter' used to assess the potability or quality of drinking water in the way that pathogens, turbidity, or chemical toxins are. It is generally considered a gas solubility or geological issue rather than a standard water quality health metric.
Air pollution dispersion models depend heavily on:
A)
Wind speed and direction
B)
Population density
C)
Rainfall data
D)
Building height
Air pollution dispersion models (such as the Gaussian Plume Model) are mathematical simulations used to predict how pollutants spread in the atmosphere. The primary drivers of this movement are meteorological factors.
1. Wind Direction: Determines the path (trajectory) the pollutant plume will take from the source.
2. Wind Speed: Determines the initial dilution of the pollutant; higher wind speeds generally lead to faster transport and lower concentrations near the source.
While other factors play a role, they are secondary or specific to certain contexts:
- Population density (Option b) is used to assess the *impact* or health risk of pollution, but it does not affect how the pollution physically disperses.
- Rainfall data (Option c) relates to 'wet deposition' (the removal of pollutants), but the fundamental dispersion model depends first on wind.
- Building height (Option d) can cause 'downwash' or local turbulence, but it is a site-specific physical constraint rather than the primary driver of regional dispersion models.
Broadacre City is associated with:
A)
FL Wright
B)
Le Corbusier
C)
Clarence Stein
D)
Ebenezer Howard
Broadacre City was a theoretical urban planning concept proposed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (FL Wright). Introduced in 1932, the concept envisioned a decentralized, low-density society where every family would be allotted one acre of land to live and farm, effectively eliminating the traditional concentrated city center in favor of a vast, gridded landscape.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Le Corbusier: Associated with the 'Ville Contemporaine' and 'Ville Radieuse' (Radiant City), which emphasized high-density vertical living and centralized planning, the opposite of Broadacre City.
- c. Clarence Stein: Associated with the 'Radburn' layout, which focused on the separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in suburban neighborhoods.
- d. Ebenezer Howard: The founder of the 'Garden City' movement, which proposed self-contained communities surrounded by greenbelts, rather than the extreme decentralization of Broadacre City.
Besides the hydrological (water) cycle and the biogeochemical (nutrient) cycle what are the other two important ecological processes?
A)
Energy flow and growth cycles
B)
Community dynamics and growth cycles
C)
Energy flow and community dynamics
D)
Carbon and nitrogen cycles
In ecology, the functioning of an ecosystem is governed by several fundamental processes. The question identifies two: the hydrological cycle (water movement) and biogeochemical cycles (nutrient cycling like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus). To complete the set of primary ecological processes, we look for the mechanisms that drive life and structure within the system. 1. Energy Flow: Unlike nutrients, energy does not cycle; it flows linearly from the sun to producers and then through various trophic levels (consumers), dissipating as heat. This is a cornerstone of ecological study. 2. Community Dynamics: This refers to the interactions between different species (competition, predation, symbiosis) and how populations change over time (succession). Together, these four processes—nutrient cycling, water cycling, energy flow, and community dynamics—provide a comprehensive framework for understanding ecosystem stability and function. Option (a) and (b) are incorrect because 'growth cycles' is a narrow biological process rather than a broad ecological system process. Option (d) is incorrect because carbon and nitrogen cycles are subsets of the 'biogeochemical cycles' already mentioned in the question stem.
Environment Impact Assessment in India is statutorily backed by:
A)
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
B)
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
C)
Environment Protection Act, 1986
D)
Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India is a statutory process governed by the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986. While the concept of EIA was introduced through administrative decisions in the 1970s, it gained legal teeth through the EPA 1986, which provides the overarching framework for the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment. Specifically, the EIA Notification (first issued in 1994 and subsequently updated in 2006) was promulgated under the powers granted to the Central Government by the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Focuses on the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and the establishment of protected areas.
- b. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Primarily deals with the restriction of the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
- d. Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Focuses on the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.
As per IS, what is the permissible exposure limits for noise in commercial zone during daytime?
A)
50 dBA
B)
55 dBA
C)
65 dBA
D)
75 dBA
In India, the ambient air quality standards for noise are governed by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which are based on guidelines from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and relevant Indian Standards (IS). The permissible noise levels are categorized by the type of zone and the time of day (Daytime: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Nighttime: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM).
1. Industrial Zone: Daytime 75 dBA / Nighttime 70 dBA
2. Commercial Zone: Daytime 65 dBA / Nighttime 55 dBA
3. Residential Zone: Daytime 55 dBA / Nighttime 45 dBA
4. Silence Zone: Daytime 50 dBA / Nighttime 40 dBA
Therefore, for a Commercial Zone during the daytime, the permissible limit is 65 dBA.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 50 dBA: This is the limit for a Silence Zone during the day.
- Option (b) 55 dBA: This is the limit for a Residential Zone during the day or a Commercial Zone at night.
- Option (c) 65 dBA: Correct limit for Commercial Zone during the day.
- Option (d) 75 dBA: This is the limit for an Industrial Zone during the day.