Environmental Impact Assessment MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Before starting an industry, the State Pollution Control Board gives the NOC (Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate) under the Water Act 1974 and the Air Act 1981.

Step-by-step solution

1. Under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, an industry needs consent before it is set up and before it runs. 2. This consent is the NOC (Consent to Establish / Consent to Operate). 3. It is issued by the State Pollution Control Board (or the Pollution Control Committee in Union Territories). 4. So the answer is (D) Pollution Control Board.

Explanation

The environmental NOC to start an industry is given by the State Pollution Control Board. The Board checks the pollution control arrangements and then gives Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate. The government makes the policy, but the NOC is issued by the Board.

Why the other options are wrong

A: The State Government does not issue the pollution NOC directly. The SPCB does. B: The Forest Department gives forest clearance only when forest land is used. C: The Central Government (MoEFCC) gives Environmental Clearance only for big Category A projects under the EIA Notification. It does not issue the routine NOC.

Shortcut

NOC / Consent to Establish for industry = State Pollution Control Board.

Common mistake

Students confuse Environmental Clearance (EIA, given by MoEFCC or SEIAA) with the pollution NOC (given by SPCB).