Environmental Governance

11 UPSC Mains GS III questions on Environmental Governance, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Environmental Governance toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q7Discuss how the contradiction between ‘rapid infrastructure development’ and ‘disaster-risk reduction’ in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2025 Q17Mineral resources are fundamental to the country’s economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard ? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.15 marks · 250 words
3. 2024 Q8What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details.10 marks · 150 words
4. 2020 Q7How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006?10 marks · 150 words
5. 2019 Q7Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2019 Q17Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2016 Q14Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.12.5 marks · 200 words
8. 2015 Q15Discuss the *Namami Gange* and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs ?12.5 marks · 200 words
9. 2014 Q15Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads.12.5 marks · 200 words
10. 2013 Q19What are the consequences of Illegal mining ? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector.10 marks · 200 words
11. 2013 Q20Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India ?10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.