Environment Protection Act was enacted in the year ________.

Correct option is B

The Environment Protection Act (EPA) was enacted in the year 1986 by the Government of India. This Act was introduced as a comprehensive legislation for environmental protection following the tragic Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, which highlighted the urgent need for strong environmental safeguards in the country.
The Act provides a framework for:
· Protecting and improving the environment,
· Controlling pollution (air, water, soil, noise),
· Regulating industrial activities that may harm the environment,
· Giving the central government wide powers to set standards, inspect facilities, and impose penalties.
It is often referred to as an “umbrella legislation” because it connects and strengthens earlier laws such as the Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981).
Thus, the correct answer is (b) 1986.
Information Booster
1. The Act empowers the Central Government to take all necessary measures for environmental protection.
2. It introduced stringent penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines.
3. It allows the government to close or regulate any industry causing environmental harm.
4. It laid the foundation for several important rules such as E-Waste Rules, Hazardous Waste Rules, and CRZ Rules.
5. It is considered one of the most powerful environmental laws in India.