Environmental Protection Act was enacted in the year

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) 1986

Explanation:
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted by the Parliament of India in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy ($1984$).
• It was passed under Article 253 of the Constitution to implement the decisions taken at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference, $1972$).
• The act provides a comprehensive framework for the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters connected therewith. It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities to prevent environmental pollution in all its forms.
• It is often described as an "umbrella legislation" as it provides a framework for various central and state authorities established under previous laws, like the Water Act and Air Act.

Information Booster:
• The Act defines "Environment" to include water, air, and land and the inter-relationship between them and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms, and property.
• It gives the government power to shut down polluting industries and set standards for emissions and discharges.

Additional Knowledge:
• 1988 (Option A): Notable for the National Forest Policy and the setting up of the National Biodiversity Board later.
• 1987 (Option B): The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 was amended in 1987 to include "noise" as a pollutant.
• 1974: The year the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted, which was India's first major environmental law.