Question

The full form of EPA is ________________.

Answer 1

Hint: Environmental issues were brought to the forefront during the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden. India was represented by its delegation at the Conference and adopted the Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan along with other participants at the conference. The EPA is an act passed by the Government of India.

Complete answer: The EPA stands for the Environment Protection Act which was passed in the year 1986. In the wake of one of the worst industrial tragedies in India— the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Parliament deemed it essential to take actions for the protection of the environment. The provisions of the Act empower the Union Government to take requisite action to protect and improve the environment and coordinate with the state governments in doing so. The Union Government has to build up a plan of action and execute programs at the national level to prevent pollution and establish quality standards including standards for discharge of pollutants. The main aim of the act was to establish safeguards, inspect industrial premises and examine processes and materials that can cause environmental degradation and pollution to prevent another tragic event. The act also contains provisions to punish anyone who tries to endanger the environment, safety and health.

Note: Do not confuse the EPA with the United States Environmental Protection Agency which is an executive agency of the US federal government formed in 1970. The EPA being talked about here is in the context of India.