Match the List I with List II 

LIST-I (Environment laws)		LIST-II (Year)
A.	Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act	I.	1974
B.	Forest Conservation Act	II.	1981
C.	Environmental Protection Act	III.	1980
D.	Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act	IV.	1986

Correct option is D

Let's delve into the details of each of these significant Indian environmental laws:
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A. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act - 1981

Objective: This act was enacted to provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution in India. It aims to maintain the quality of air, control emissions from industries and vehicles, and establish boards for the prevention and control of air pollution.

Key Provisions:
Empowers the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to lay down standards for the quality of air and emissions from various sources.
Requires industries to obtain consent from the respective State Pollution Control Boards before establishing or operating.
Provides for penalties for non-compliance.
It was amended in 1987 to bring noise pollution within its ambit.

B. Forest Conservation Act - 1980

Objective: The primary goal of this act is to prevent deforestation and ensure that forest land is not diverted for non-forest purposes without the prior approval of the Central Government. It aims to conserve forests and their biodiversity.

Key Provisions:
Mandates that any proposal to de-reserve a forest, use forest land for non-forest purposes, or assign forest land to any private person or authority requires the prior permission of the Central Government.
Defines "non-forest purpose" broadly to include clearing of forest land for cultivation, mining, construction of roads, etc.
Has been instrumental in slowing down the rate of deforestation and promoting afforestation efforts.

C. Environmental Protection Act - 1986

Objective: Enacted in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, this act is a comprehensive umbrella legislation designed to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment and for matters connected therewith. It is a powerful tool for the Central Government to take all necessary measures to prevent and control environmental pollution.

Key Provisions:
Empowers the Central Government to take all necessary measures for protecting and improving environmental quality, and preventing, controlling, and abating environmental pollution.
Allows the Central Government to set standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.
Provides for the power to issue directions, including the power to direct closure, prohibition, or regulation of any industry, operation, or process.
Introduces the concept of environmental impact assessment (EIA) for various projects.
Covers a wide range of environmental issues, including water, air, land, and noise pollution.

D. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act - 1974

Objective: This was the first major environmental legislation in India after independence. Its purpose is to prevent and control water pollution, and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in the country.

Key Provisions:
Establishes the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to prevent and control water pollution.
Empowers these boards to lay down standards for effluent discharge into water bodies.
Requires industries to obtain consent from the respective State Pollution Control Boards for discharging effluents.
Provides for penalties for pollution and non-compliance with the act's provisions.
It also addresses the issue of sewage and trade effluents.

Hence, Option d 
A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I is the correct answer .​