Q1. What is ISO-14000?

How does adoption of ISO-14000 practices benefit Industries as well as the

ISO-14000 is a family of international standards developed by the International Organization for

The most prominent standard in this family is ISO 14001, which outlines the criteria for an
Environmental Management System (EMS).

Benefits to Industries:

1.​ Legal Compliance: Helps companies comply with environmental laws and regulations, thus
avoiding penalties.​

2.​ Enhanced Reputation: ISO certification demonstrates environmental responsibility, improving

3.​ Market Access: Certification can be a requirement for participating in international tenders or
entering new markets.​

4.​ Cost Savings: Reduction in energy consumption, raw material use, and waste disposal costs due
to better environmental practices.​

5.​ Risk Management: Helps identify and mitigate environmental risks that could result in liabilities
or operational disruptions.

Benefits to the Environment:

1.​ Pollution Control: Promotes processes that reduce emissions, discharges, and waste generation.​

2.​ Resource Conservation: Encourages efficient use of resources such as water, energy, and raw
materials.​

3.​ Continuous Improvement: Implements a cycle of planning, implementing, checking, and

4.​ Sustainable Development: Promotes industrial growth in a way that meets present needs without
compromising the ability of future generations.

Q2. Write a short note on the Wildlife Protection Act

The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a comprehensive law enacted by the Government of India aimed at
protecting wild animals, birds, and plants to ensure ecological and environmental security.

Key Features:
 1.​ Protected Areas: Establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, conservation reserves,
and community reserves.​

2.​ Scheduled Species Protection: Categorization of species into six schedules offering varying
levels of protection. Schedule I and II species are accorded the highest protection.​

3.​ Prohibition on Hunting: Strict restrictions on hunting wild animals and birds listed under the
schedules.​

4.​ Ban on Trade: Prohibits trade and commerce of wildlife, trophies, and derivatives unless
specifically permitted.​

5.​ Penalties: Imposes strict punishments including imprisonment and fines for violating the Act.​

6.​ Wildlife Crime Control Bureau: Set up for controlling organized wildlife crime and illegal
trade.

Importance:

●​ Conserves biodiversity by preventing the extinction of endangered species.​

●​ Maintains ecological balance by protecting keystone species.​

●​ Supports eco-tourism and generates employment in forest areas.​

●​ Aligns with international commitments like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES).

Q3. Write a short note on the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is a central legislation enacted to prevent
and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in India.

Objectives:

1.​ To prevent and control water pollution.​

2.​ To establish Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB & SPCBs) for the
management and enforcement of water quality standards.​

3.​ To maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water bodies.

Salient Features:

1.​ Control Measures: Mandates industries to obtain consent before discharging effluents into water
bodies.​

2.​ Monitoring: SPCBs monitor and analyze water samples to ensure compliance.​

3.​ Legal Provisions: Provides penalties and prosecution mechanisms for violators.​
 4.​ Effluent Standards: Establishes limits for discharge of harmful substances.​

5.​ Funding and Powers: Empowers boards to secure funding, conduct inspections, and initiate
legal proceedings.

Importance:

●​ Protects aquatic life and human health.​

●​ Ensures availability of clean water for agriculture, domestic, and industrial use.​

●​ Supports the sustainable development of water resources.

Q4. Define "Environmental Quality Management" and explain its importance with respect to:

a. Need of Environmental Quality Management

b. Polluter Pays Principle (P.P.P)

c. User Pays Principle (U.P.P)

Environmental Quality Management (EQM) refers to the systematic planning, monitoring, and
execution of policies and practices aimed at maintaining or improving environmental quality. It involves
controlling pollution, conserving resources, complying with regulations, and promoting sustainability.

a. Need for Environmental Quality Management:

1.​ Sustainable Development: Balances industrial growth with ecological preservation.​

2.​ Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to environmental laws, avoiding legal issues.​

3.​ Public Health: Reduces pollution-related health risks.​

4.​ Resource Optimization: Encourages efficient use of natural resources.​

5.​ Corporate Responsibility: Enhances social image and investor confidence.​

b. Polluter Pays Principle (PPP):

●​ This principle holds that those who cause pollution should bear the cost of managing it to
prevent damage to human health or the environment.​

●​ Introduced as part of international environmental law (OECD, 1972).​

●​ Encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce emissions.​

●​ Ensures fair allocation of environmental costs, internalizing externalities.

c. User Pays Principle (UPP):

●​ Commonly applied in water supply, sanitation, and waste management services.​

●​ Promotes responsible consumption and sustainable resource use.​

●​ Encourages individuals and industries to reduce unnecessary usage and minimize waste.