Date : 17-12-2022 | Paper solution | ELA

• Subject Code: Environmental Legislation & Audit ( 3161310) 
• Date:17-12-2022
• Paper solved by Om sonawane 

Q.1 

(a) Define Pollution as per Water act, 1974.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is an act of the Indian Parliament enacted to maintain the purity and cleanliness of water in India. Under this act, pollution refers to the presence in water of any substance or sewage or any other matter in such concentration or of such characteristics as may be, or tend to be, injurious to public health, safety, or welfare, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other legitimate uses of water, or to aquatic life. This act provides for the prevention and control of water pollution and the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water. It also establishes a Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards to enforce the provisions of the act.

(b) Enlist functions of Central Board under Water Act 1974.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The main functions of the CPCB are as follows:

Advising the Central and State Governments on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water pollution.

Laying down standards for the quality of water that is to be maintained in various water bodies in the country.

Planning and promoting a comprehensive program for the prevention, control, and abatement of water pollution.

Conducting research and investigations for the prevention and control of water pollution.

Collecting and disseminating information on water pollution and the measures adopted for its control.

Coordinating the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards and other organizations engaged in the prevention and control of water pollution.

Providing technical assistance to the State Pollution Control Boards and other organizations in the implementation of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Collaborating with other organizations and agencies concerned with the prevention and control of water pollution.

Undertaking monitoring of the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies in the country, and making the results public.

Developing and promoting the use of appropriate and effective technologies for the prevention and control of water pollution.

(c) Write down the constitution of State Board under Air Act.

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) is a statutory organization established under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The constitution of the SPCB varies from state to state but typically it consists of the following members:

• Chairman: appointed by the state government, usually a senior government official.
• Members: appointed by the state government, typically including experts in fields such as environmental science, engineering, medicine, and law.
• Member-Secretary: appointed by the state government, typically a senior government official or a technical expert.
• Other members: nominated by the state government, typically including representatives of local government, industry, and civil society organizations.

The SPCB is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the rules and regulations made thereunder, in the state. The board is responsible for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution and the protection and improvement of the quality of air in the state. The SPCB also acts as an advisory body to the state government on matters related to air pollution and its control.

Q.2 

(a) Define Trade effluent as per Water act.

As per the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, trade effluent means any liquid, gaseous or solid substance which is discharged or intended to be discharged, from any trade or industry or process carried on in any premises, into a stream, well, or sewer or on land, but does not include domestic sewage or any other matter which is specifically excluded from the definition of "sewage" by the State Board. Trade effluent is any liquid, gaseous or solid substance, which is discharged or intended to be discharged from any trade or industry or process carried on in any premises, into a stream, well, sewer or on land, but does not include domestic sewage or any other matter which is specifically excluded from the definition of "sewage" by the State Board. This can include, but is not limited to, waste water from manufacturing plants, industrial processes, and mines.The Act provides for the regulation of the discharge of trade effluent into water bodies, including the setting of standards for the quality of the effluent, and the monitoring and enforcement of these standards.

(b) Describe section 25 requiring consent of the state board as per Water Act.

Section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, deals with the requirement of obtaining consent of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for the discharge of any sewage or trade effluent into a water body.

As per this section, no person shall without the previous consent of the State Board, establish or take any steps to establish any industry, operation or process which is likely to discharge sewage or trade effluent into a stream or well or sewer or on land, or where the sewage or trade effluent is likely to pass into a stream or well or sewer or on land.

This section requires that any person who intends to establish or operate an industry, operation, or process which may discharge sewage or trade effluent into a water body must first obtain consent from the SPCB. This consent is required to ensure that the discharge of the sewage or trade effluent does not cause pollution or harm to the water body or to public health and welfare.

The section also states that the State Board may, by order in writing, prohibit the discharge of any sewage or trade effluent into a stream or well or sewer or on land if it considers it necessary to do so in the interests of the general public or for the preservation of aquatic life.

It also states that the State Board shall renew or refuse to renew or revoke the consent granted, if it is satisfied that the person holding such consent has failed to comply with the conditions subject to which the consent was granted or that any of the provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder have been contravened by such person.

(c) State procedure for sampling as per section 21 of water Act.

Section 21 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, deals with the procedure for sampling of water, sewage and trade effluent. The section states that the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or any officer authorized by it, may take samples of water, sewage or trade effluent from any stream, well, sewer or from any other source as it may deem necessary.

The procedure for sampling as per section 21 of the Water Act is as follows:

The SPCB or the authorized officer shall give notice of not less than 24 hours, before taking the sample, to the person from whom the sample is to be taken, unless the sample is taken in the presence of such person.

The sample shall be taken in such a manner and in such a quantity as may be prescribed by the Board.

The sample shall be divided into two parts, one of which shall be delivered to the person from whom it was taken, and the other shall be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The laboratory analysis report shall be considered as evidence in any proceedings under this Act.

The SPCB or the authorized officer shall have the power to seize any part of the sample taken, if it is considered necessary for the purpose of analysis or for use as evidence in any proceedings under this Act.

It is important to note that the sample should be taken in a manner that ensures accuracy and reliability of the test results, and that the sample is representative of the water, sewage or trade effluent being discharged. The sample should be collected, transported, stored and analyzed in a way that preserves its quality and integrity.

OR

(c) Tabulate manifest system as per Hazardous waste rules.

The Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, lays down the provisions for the management and handling of hazardous waste in India. The manifest system is an important aspect of these rules, which is used to track the movement of hazardous waste from the point of generation to the point of disposal.

The manifest system includes the following components:

Manifest: A document that accompanies each consignment of hazardous waste and contains details such as the identity of the waste, the quantity, the generator, the transporter, the consignee, and the route of transport.

Manifest Register: A register maintained by the generator, transporter, and consignee, in which the details of the manifest are recorded and retained for a specified period of time.

Movement Order: A document issued by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the State Government, as the case may be, authorizing the movement of hazardous waste from one place to another.

Transporter's copy: A copy of the manifest that is handed over to the transporter by the generator, and is retained by the transporter as a record of the movement of the hazardous waste.

Consignee's Copy: A copy of the manifest that is handed over to the consignee by the transporter, and is retained by the consignee as a record of the receipt of the hazardous waste.

Generator's Copy: A copy of the manifest that is retained by the generator as a record of the disposal of the hazardous waste.

Hazardous Waste Tracking System: An online system managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to track the movement of hazardous waste in real-time.

The manifest system is used to ensure that the hazardous waste is transported.

Q.3 

(a) Define Environment as per EPA, 1986.

The Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 defines "environment" as the "components of the earth, i.e. land, water, air, and inter-relationship which man and other living creatures depend upon for their existence."

The Act defines environment as including:

water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property;

Materials, solid, liquid, gaseous or radioactive substance or matter;

such relationship as may exist among and between individuals, living organisms, property and the environment;

The environment also includes the social and cultural conditions that affect the living creatures.

The EPA, 1986 was enacted to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment and for the prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property, and for the control of noise and for the prescribing standards in relation to the quality of the environment. The Act provides the legal framework for the protection and conservation of the environment in India.

(b) Discuss the constitutional perspective to environmental legislation.

The Indian Constitution, through its various provisions, lays the foundation for environmental legislation in India. The constitutional perspective to environmental legislation in India is guided by the following key principles:

Directive Principles of State Policy: The Constitution of India, under Part IV, lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy, which are not enforceable by any court but are fundamental in the governance of the country. Article 48A of the Constitution, introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, states that "the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country." This principle serves as a guiding principle for all environmental legislation in India.

Right to Life: Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, which includes the right to live in a healthy and hygienic environment. This provision has been interpreted by the courts to include the right to clean air, water, and a pollution-free environment.

Fundamental Duties: The Constitution, under Part IVA, lays down certain Fundamental Duties of citizens, which were introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. Article 51A(g) states that "it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wild life.

(c) Explain the Polluter pays principle and its importance.

The "polluter pays principle" is a principle in environmental law that requires the polluter or the party responsible for causing environmental damage to bear the cost of such damage. The principle is based on the idea that the cost of pollution should be borne by the party that creates it, rather than by society as a whole.

The principle is important for several reasons:

Encourages Pollution Prevention: By making the polluter responsible for the costs of pollution, the principle provides an economic incentive for companies and individuals to prevent pollution in the first place. This can lead to the development of new technologies and practices that reduce or eliminate pollution.

Promotes Fairness: The polluter pays principle ensures that the costs of pollution are borne by the party that caused it, rather than by society as a whole. This ensures that the burden of pollution is not unfairly distributed among society's most vulnerable members, such as low-income communities.

Promotes Environmental Justice: The principle can help to address environmental injustices by holding those who cause pollution accountable for the harm they cause, regardless of the economic or political power of the polluter.

Enhances Efficiency: By internalizing the cost of pollution, the principle can lead to more efficient resource use and allocation as the polluter would have to consider the cost of pollution before engaging in activities that would cause it.

Facilitates Compensation: By making the polluter responsible for the costs of pollution, the principle provides a mechanism for compensating those who are harmed by pollution.

It should be noted that the principle is not always easy to implement, as determining who is responsible for causing pollution can be difficult and determining an appropriate level of compensation can be complex.

OR

Q.3 (a) What do you mean by Sustainable development?

Sustainable development is a concept that refers to the use of resources in such a way that they meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a holistic approach that addresses economic, social, and environmental issues in a coordinated and integrated way.

The United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development in 1987 as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Sustainable development is generally understood to have three pillars:

Economic Development: This is about creating jobs, promoting economic growth, and reducing poverty. It is about ensuring that economic activities are inclusive and equitable and that they contribute to the well-being of people and communities.

Social Development: This is about ensuring that all people have access to the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and health care, and that they can live in dignity and security. It is also about promoting social inclusion, protecting human rights, and addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

Environmental Protection: This is about protecting and preserving the natural environment and the ecological systems that support life on earth. It is about ensuring that economic and social development is not achieved at the expense of the environment.

Sustainable development aims to balance these three pillars, recognizing that they are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. It is about finding a way to meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

(b) Examine the role of law of tort in Environmental protection.

The law of tort, also known as the law of civil wrongs, plays an important role in environmental protection by providing a legal framework for holding individuals and organizations accountable for environmental harm. Tort law allows individuals and organizations to seek compensation for injuries or losses caused by the actions of others.

In the context of environmental protection, tort law can be used to address a wide range of environmental harms, such as:

Pollution: Tort law can be used to hold polluters liable for the damage caused by their actions. This can include liability for the release of toxic substances into the air, water, or soil, as well as liability for the failure to properly manage hazardous waste.

Nuisance: Tort law can be used to hold individuals and organizations liable for creating nuisances, such as excessive noise or odors that interfere with the use and enjoyment of property.

Trespass: Tort law can be used to hold individuals and organizations liable for trespassing on property, such as by drilling for oil or gas on someone else's land without permission.

Strict Liability: Some torts such as strict liability, can be used to hold individuals and organizations liable for environmental harms without the need to prove fault or negligence.

Public Nuisance : Tort law can also be used to hold individuals and organizations liable for public nuisances, which are activities that interfere with the public's use and enjoyment of a common resource, such as a public park or a waterway.

The law of tort also plays an important role in environmental protection by providing a legal remedy for individuals and organizations who are harmed by environmental harms. This can include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and property damage, as well as compensation for emotional distress and other intangible harms. Additionally, tort law can also be used to seek injunctive relief, which is a court order requiring the responsible party to take specific actions to prevent or mitigate environmental harm.

In summary, the law of tort plays an important role in environmental protection by providing a legal framework for holding individuals and organizations accountable for environmental harm and providing a legal remedy for individuals and organizations who are harmed by environmental harms.

(c) Why EPA, 1986 is called as umbrella act?

The Environmental Protection Act, 1986 (EPA) is often referred to as an "umbrella act" because it provides a broad framework for environmental protection in India. The EPA serves as a comprehensive and overarching law that establishes the basic framework for environmental regulation in India and provides the legal authority for other environmental laws and regulations.

The EPA provides a general framework for the protection of the environment and lays down the basic principles and responsibilities for the central and state governments, as well as individuals and organizations, to protect and improve the environment. The Act also establishes the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to regulate pollution and enforce environmental standards.

The EPA also provides the legal authority for the Central and State Governments to take measures to control pollution and protect the environment, such as:

• Control and abatement of pollution
• Conservation of forests and wild life
• Protection of the environment
• Control of hazardous substances
• Control of ocean dumping
• Control of hazardous waste
• Control of bio-medical waste

The EPA also empowers the Central and State Governments to take measures to protect and improve the environment, such as:

• Establishing standards for the quality of the environment
• Monitoring and enforcing compliance with environmental standards
• Regulating the use and disposal of hazardous substances and waste
• Regulating ocean dumping
• Regulating the handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste 

Q.4 

(a) What do you mean by Precautionary principle?

The Precautionary Principle is a principle of risk management that states that, in the face of uncertainty, action should be taken to prevent harm to human health or the environment, even when there is not yet scientific consensus on the potential harm. The principle is based on the idea that it is better to be safe than sorry, and that it is better to take preventive action to protect public health and the environment, even when the potential harm is not yet fully understood.

The precautionary principle is often invoked in situations where there is a potential for serious or irreversible harm to human health or the environment, but the science is not yet clear or complete. It is particularly relevant in cases where new technologies, products, or activities have the potential to cause harm and there is uncertainty about the risks.

The precautionary principle is often used to justify the imposition of regulations or restrictions on activities that may pose a risk to human health or the environment, even when the risk has not yet been fully established. It can also be used to justify the adoption of more stringent environmental standards than would otherwise be required, or to require manufacturers or other responsible parties to prove that their products or activities are safe before they can be used.

The principle is not a fixed rule, but it is based on the context and available information. The principle allows for flexibility in the decision-making process and encourages taking a proactive stance, rather than waiting until the harm is already done.

In summary, the precautionary principle is a principle of risk management that states that, in the face of uncertainty, action should be taken to prevent harm to human health or the environment, even when there is not yet scientific consensus on the potential harm. This principle is intended to ensure that actions are taken to protect public health and the environment, rather than waiting for scientific certainty to emerge. 

(b) Describe the sectuion of Appeal as per Air act. 

Under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (Air Act) of India, Section 25 provides for the right to appeal against any order or decision of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The specific provisions of this section are as follows:

Any person aggrieved by an order or decision of the SPCB or CPCB may appeal to the appellate authority within 60 days of the order or decision.

The appellate authority will be appointed by the Central Government, and it may be a person or a body of persons.

The appellate authority will have the power to confirm, modify, or set aside the order or decision of the SPCB or CPCB.

The appellate authority may also impose additional conditions or penalties, or direct the SPCB or CPCB to take specific actions to prevent or control pollution.

The decision of the appellate authority will be final and binding on all parties.

The appellate authority shall have the power to give directions to the SPCB or CPCB to take specific steps to abate pollution and to impose penalties for failure to comply with such directions.

The appellate authority may also order the refund of any fee or charges collected by the SPCB or CPCB if it finds that the order or decision was unjustified.

The procedure for filing an appeal and the powers of the appellate authority will be as prescribed by the Central Government.

In summary, Section 25 of the Air Act provides for the right to appeal against any order or decision of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to an appellate authority appointed by the Central Government. The appellate authority has the power to confirm, modify, or set aside the order or decision of the SPCB or CPCB, and its decision is final and binding on all parties.

(c) Categorize Biomedical Waste as per Bio-medical waste management rules, 2016. 

The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMW Rules) of India categorize biomedical waste into the following categories, A, B, and C:

Category A: Infectious waste: This includes waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals that is likely to cause infection. Examples include discarded surgical gloves, needles, syringes, and cultures and stocks of infectious agents.

Category B: Pathological and anatomical waste: This includes human or animal tissues, organs, body parts, and other waste generated during the diagnosis or treatment of diseases. Examples include amputated limbs, placenta, and blood bags.

Category C: Chemicals, drugs, and other pharmaceutical products that are expired, discarded, or waste generated during research and industrial activities. This includes discarded medicines, drugs, and other chemical products.

Category D: Radioactive waste: This includes waste generated during research and industrial activities involving radioactive materials and irradiated nuclear fuel.

Category E: Solid waste: This includes general waste such as office waste, kitchen waste, and sanitary waste that may not be classified as biomedical waste.

Category F: Liquid waste: This includes liquids such as blood, urine, and other bodily fluids that may not be classified as biomedical waste.

Category G: Sharps: This includes needles, syringes, scalpels, blades and other sharps that may not be classified as biomedical waste.

These categories are used to ensure proper segregation, collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste in order to minimize the risk of infection and environmental pollution.

OR

Q.4 

(a) Define Chimney as per environmental acts. 

A chimney is a vertical structure that is used to vent the gases and smoke produced by a furnace, boiler, or fireplace. As per environmental acts, a chimney must meet certain standards for emissions and efficiency in order to reduce air pollution and protect public health. These standards may include requirements for the size and design of the chimney, as well as limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into the atmosphere. Some environmental acts also require regular inspections and maintenance of chimneys to ensure they are operating properly.

(b) Discuss the role of National Green Tribunal.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized court in India that was established in 2010 to handle cases related to environmental laws and regulations. The NGT has the power to hear and decide cases involving issues such as pollution, deforestation, wildlife conservation, and other environmental matters.

The NGT plays a critical role in enforcing environmental laws and regulations in India, and has the authority to impose penalties and fines on individuals and organizations that violate these laws. It also has the power to order the closure of factories and industries that are found to be causing significant pollution.

The NGT also has the power to hear public interest litigations, which are legal actions brought by citizens or NGOs on behalf of the general public, to protect the environment and public health. This allows for citizens to hold government agencies and private organizations accountable for their actions and inactions that may harm the environment.

The NGT also plays a key role in monitoring and assessing the implementation of environmental laws and policies, and making recommendations for improvements. This includes assessing the environmental impact of development projects and infrastructure projects, and making recommendations for mitigation measures.

Overall, the NGT serves as a judicial forum to deal with environmental disputes, by way of providing speedy and effective remedy to the environmental problems and ensure environmental justice.

(c) Discuss various penalties under Water act. 

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is an Indian legislation that aims to prevent and control water pollution in the country. The act provides for a number of penalties for individuals and organizations that violate its provisions.

Some of the penalties under the Water Act include:

Fine: Individuals and organizations found guilty of violating the provisions of the Water Act can be fined. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the severity of the violation.

Imprisonment: The Act provides for imprisonment of individuals found guilty of violating its provisions. The term of imprisonment can range from 6 months to 5 years.

Closure of Industries: The act empowers the authorities to close down any industry or facility found to be polluting water bodies.

Revocation Of Licenses: The act also provides for the revocation of licenses or approvals granted to industries or facilities found to be in violation of the Act.

Seizure Of Equipment: The act provides for the seizure of equipment or machinery used in the commission of an offense under the act.

Restoration of Damage: The act also provides for the restoration of damage caused by water pollution, that includes the cost of restoring the water body or the cost of providing alternative sources of water.

Continuous Discharge: The act also provides for penalties for continuous discharge of pollutants into water bodies.

It is important to note that penalties for violating the Water Act can be both criminal and civil in nature. The Act also provides for the liability of the company, as well as the company's directors and officers, for any violation of the Act.

Q.5 

(a) Define Hazardous waste as per environmental acts. 

Hazardous waste is a type of waste that is potentially dangerous or harmful to human health and the environment. As per environmental acts, hazardous waste is defined as any material that is toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive, or radioactive, and can cause harm to human health or the environment if not properly managed.

Examples of hazardous waste include chemicals, pesticides, batteries, medical waste, electronics, and certain types of industrial waste.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India are the main agencies responsible for managing and regulating hazardous waste. They establish regulations and guidelines for the storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste to ensure that it is handled safely and does not pose a risk to human health or the environment.

Hazardous waste is typically managed through a combination of regulations, permits, and inspections. Industries and facilities that generate hazardous waste are required to obtain a permit and comply with strict regulations for the storage, handling, and disposal of the waste.

In addition, there are laws in place for the management of hazardous waste from the generation to the disposal stage, and also for the liability of the waste generator for any damage caused to the environment or human health due to the hazardous waste. These regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment from the potential harm caused by hazardous waste, and promote the safe and environmentally sound management of these materials.

(b) Write a note on E-waste rules. 

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India has implemented rules for the proper disposal and management of electronic waste (e-waste). These rules, known as the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, aim to minimize the negative impact of e-waste on the environment and human health.

The rules require manufacturers and importers of electronic equipment to take responsibility for the collection, treatment, and disposal of e-waste generated from their products. They must also establish systems for the collection and disposal of e-waste from consumers.

The CPCB also requires that e-waste treatment and disposal facilities comply with certain standards and guidelines, including those related to health and safety, environmental protection, and the use of hazardous materials.

Additionally, the CPCB has designated certain organizations, known as "Producer Responsibility Organizations," to assist in the collection and disposal of e-waste. These organizations are responsible for setting up collection centers, arranging for transportation and treatment of e-waste, and providing financial incentives to encourage the proper disposal of e-waste.

Overall, the CPCB's E-Waste (Management) Rules aim to ensure that e-waste is handled and disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, with the goal of minimizing the negative impact of e-waste on human health and the environment.

(c) Write down key steps to Environmental audit. 

Define the scope of the environmental audit: The first step in conducting an environmental audit is to define the scope of the audit. This involves identifying the specific areas or activities that will be audited, and determining the specific environmental issues that will be evaluated.

Collect Data And Information: Once the scope of the audit has been defined, the next step is to collect data and information about the areas or activities being audited. This can include information about the facility or site, its operations, and the environmental impacts of those operations.

Evaluate compliance with environmental regulations: The next step in the environmental audit process is to evaluate compliance with relevant environmental regulations. This includes assessing whether the facility or site is in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local environmental regulations and laws.

Identify Potential Environmental Risks: An important part of the environmental audit process is identifying potential environmental risks. This includes identifying any potential hazards or risks associated with the facility or site, and evaluating the potential impacts of those hazards on human health and the environment.

Develop Recommendations for improvement: After identifying potential environmental risks and evaluating compliance with regulations, the next step is to develop recommendations for improvement. These recommendations should be tailored to address the specific environmental issues identified during the audit and should be designed to reduce or eliminate those risks.

Implement The Recommendations: After the recommendations have been developed, the next step is to implement them. This may involve making changes to facility operations, implementing new management systems, or providing training to employees.

Monitor And Evaluate Progress: Once the recommendations have been implemented, the final step in the environmental audit process is to monitor and evaluate progress. This includes regularly monitoring the facility or site to ensure that the recommended changes are being implemented and that the desired improvements are being achieved. 

OR

Q.5 (a) What do you mean by the term ‘Authorization’? 

Authorization refers to the process of granting permission or approval for someone or something to take a specific action or access certain resources. It is a type of authorization that allows an individual or organization to take a specific action, or access certain information or resources, based on their identity, role, or level of clearance. This process is usually based on predefined rules or policies, and is used to control access to sensitive information, resources or systems. It is a security measure that allows organizations to control who can access their resources, and what actions they can perform. Authorization is a critical component of access control and is used to ensure that only authorized individuals or entities can access sensitive information or resources.

(b) What is the importance of Pre-audit questionnaire?

A pre-audit questionnaire is an important tool that helps organizations prepare for an upcoming audit. It is a document that is used to gather information about the organization's operations, processes, and systems before the actual audit begins.

Some of The key benefits of a pre-audit questionnaire include:

Improving Audit Efficiency: A pre-audit questionnaire helps the auditor to understand the organization's operations and processes in advance, which can help to improve the efficiency of the audit by reducing the time needed to gather information.

Identifying Risk Areas: The pre-audit questionnaire can help to identify potential risk areas within the organization, so that the auditor can focus their efforts on these areas during the actual audit.

Identifying Documentation Needs: A pre-audit questionnaire can also help to identify any documentation that the organization needs to provide to the auditor, which can help to ensure that all necessary information is available for the audit.

Improving Communication: A pre-audit questionnaire can help to improve communication between the organization and the auditor. It allows the auditor to understand the organization's operations and processes, and it also allows the organization to understand the auditor's expectations and requirements.

Preparing the Organization: The pre-audit questionnaire is an excellent way to prepare the organization for the audit. It can help the organization to identify any areas that need improvement, and it can also help the organization to gather the necessary documentation and information for the audit.

Overall, the pre-audit questionnaire is an important tool that helps organizations to prepare for an upcoming audit. It can help to improve the efficiency of the audit, identify potential risk areas, identify documentation needs, improve communication, and prepare the organization.

(c) What are the Prohibited and Permissible activities as per Coastal Regulation Zone Notification?

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification is a set of regulations in India that aims to protect and conserve the coastal environment and biodiversity. The notification lays out specific rules for activities that are prohibited and permissible in the CRZ.

Prohibited activities:

• Reclamation of land from the sea
• Construction of permanent structures on the beach
• Construction within 500 meters of the High Tide Line (HTL)
• Destruction or damage of mangroves and other coastal vegetation
• Discharge of untreated or hazardous waste into the sea
• Fishing and other activities that may harm marine life
• Setting up of heavy industries or storage of hazardous materials in the CRZ
• Sand mining from the beach and coastal waters

Permissible activities:

• Construction of necessary infrastructure for public utilities such as water supply, sanitation, and electricity in consultation with the local authority
• Construction of low-lying breakwaters, groynes, and jetties for coastal protection and erosion control
• Development of tourism and recreation facilities in consultation with the local authority
• Construction of low-cost housing for the economically weaker section of society
• Fishing and other traditional livelihood activities in consultation with the local authority
• Expansion of existing ports and harbors in consultation with the local authority.