Important Questions — Environmental Law, Unit 3

Previous Osmania University LL.B. exam questions for Environmental Law, Unit III, each linked to the notes or case-law post that answers it. Sourced from actual OU Paper V: Environmental Law question papers — August/September 2013, February/March 2016, March/April 2017, September/October 2017, September/October 2021, and February 2026 (Code No. H-12005). Every question here is answerable entirely from what's already published on this site.

Part A — Short Answer

1. What is meant by air pollution? Mention any two causes. (February 2026)
   Air Pollution Law
2. Reserve forest. (August/September 2013)
   Law of Forest Conservation
3. NGT. (September/October 2021, March/April 2018)
   Environmental Pollution Control Mechanism

Part B — Long Answer

1. Examine the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and its significance. (February 2026)
   The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
2. Discuss the powers and jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal. (February 2026)
   Environmental Pollution Control Mechanism
3. Write a note on Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. (August/September 2013)
   Wildlife Protection Law

Part C — Problem / Case-Study Questions

1. The State Government has undertaken construction of a mega hydro electric project in the Reserve Forest area, which is going to affect the natural environment of that area. A public interest litigation was filed to that effect before the Supreme Court. Discuss the admissibility of the petition. (September/October 2021; see T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1996))
   Law of Forest Conservation
2. A State Government, after a long time from the declaration of a sanctuary, reduced its area on the ground of economic development of the State. Advise. (September/October 2021 — reduced from 765 sq. km to 440 sq. km; September/October 2017 — reduced from 765 sq. km to 950 sq. km; asked in near-identical form across both sittings)
   Wildlife Protection Law
3. A PIL was filed by an NGO in the High Court highlighting mining activities which have denuded forest-covered hills of trees, accelerating soil erosion and causing landslides and blockage of underground water. The court ordered closure of the polluting quarries. Discuss. (September/October 2017, March/April 2017 — asked in near-identical form across both sittings; see T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1996))
   Law of Forest Conservation
4. A company fails to comply with the rules of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. What action can be taken against the company? (September/October 2017, March/April 2017 — asked in near-identical form across both sittings)
   Air Pollution Law
5. Several chemical factories are discharging all their effluents into a nearby river without treating them. When the State Pollution Control Board insisted on the construction of effluent treatment plants, they pleaded that they have no money. Argue. (August/September 2013; see M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, the Ganga Pollution Case (1987))
   Water Pollution Law