Q31. What was a major criticism of the Gadgil Committee report?
a) It was too lenient on environmental protection
b) It prioritized development over environmental conservation
c) It was considered too environment-friendly and not in tune with the ground realities
d) It recommended the abolition of the Western Ghats
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Correct Answer: c) It was considered too environment-friendly and not in tune with the ground realities
Explanation: The Gadgil Committee report was criticized for being excessively environment-friendly and not in tune with the ground realities. It faced opposition for its stringent recommendations on conserving the Western Ghats, which many believed would hinder development and affect livelihoods.
Q32. Which committee recommended a blanket ban on mining, quarrying, and setting up of red category industries in certain areas of the Western Ghats?
a) Sarkaria Commission
b) Gadgil Committee
c) Kasturirangan Committee
d) Shah Commission
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Correct Answer: c) Kasturirangan Committee
Explanation: The Kasturirangan Committee recommended a blanket ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries, and thermal power projects in the eco-sensitive areas (ESAs) of the Western Ghats.
Q33. The Gadgil Committee report was criticized for suggesting the setup of which new authority?
a) Western Ghats Development Authority
b) Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA)
c) Western Ghats Conservation Committee
d) Western Ghats Sustainable Development Council
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Correct Answer: b) Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA)
Explanation: The Gadgil Committee report was criticized for suggesting the setup of a new authority called the Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA). Critics argued that the environment could be protected under existing laws without the need for creating a new authority.
Q34. What was the main reason for the opposition to the Gadgil Committee report by certain sections of people in Kerala?
a) The report recommended a complete ban on tourism
b) It suggested that the Western Ghats be declared a no-development zone
c) Most of the farmers obtained their livelihood from the hilly regions, which were to be declared as ecologically sensitive
d) It proposed the privatization of forest lands
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Correct Answer: c) Most of the farmers obtained their livelihood from the hilly regions, which were to be declared as ecologically sensitive
Explanation: Certain sections of people in Kerala strongly protested the implementation of the Gadgil Committee report because most of the farmers obtained their livelihood from the hilly regions, which were to be declared as ecologically sensitive according to the report.
Q35. Which committee’s recommendations were aimed at balancing development and environment protection in the Western Ghats?
a) Sarkaria Commission
b) Gadgil Committee
c) Kasturirangan Committee
d) Shah Commission
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Correct Answer: c) Kasturirangan Committee
Explanation: The Kasturirangan Committee sought to balance the concerns of development and environment protection in the Western Ghats by watering down the environmental regulation regime proposed by the Gadgil Committee.
Q36. The opposition to the Gadgil Committee report was partly due to misinformation spread by which lobby?
a) Agricultural lobby
b) Mining lobby
c) Real estate lobby
d) Tourism lobby
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Correct Answer: b) Mining lobby
Explanation: The opposition to the Gadgil Committee report was partly due to misinformation spread by the mining lobby. The lobby misled people by convincing them that the report was against farmers and would require them to leave the area, thereby creating fear and opposition among the local population.
Q37. The opposition to the Gadgil Committee report was partly due to misinformation spread by which lobby?
a) Agricultural lobby
b) Mining lobby
c) Real estate lobby
d) Tourism lobby
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Correct Answer: b) Mining lobby
Explanation: The opposition to the Gadgil Committee report was partly due to misinformation spread by the mining lobby. The lobby misled people by convincing them that the report was against farmers and would require them to leave the area, thereby creating fear and opposition among the local population.
Q38. Which committee’s report was criticized for recommending a blanket ban on development activities in the Western Ghats, leading to protests and political opposition?
a) Gadgil Committee
b) Kasturirangan Committee
c) Athirappilly Committee
d) Oommen Committee
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Correct Answer: a) Gadgil Committee
Explanation: The Gadgil Committee report was criticized for recommending a blanket ban on development activities in the Western Ghats, which led to protests and political opposition, particularly in Kerala. The report’s stringent environmental protection measures were seen as a threat to the livelihoods of local communities.
Q39. The Kasturirangan Committee report was seen as a more diluted version of which previous report?
a) Gadgil Committee report
b) Athirappilly Committee report
c) Oommen Committee report
d) None of the above
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Correct Answer: a) Gadgil Committee report
Explanation: The Kasturirangan Committee report was seen as a more diluted version of the Gadgil Committee report. It proposed to declare a smaller area of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive and allowed for some development activities, which were otherwise restricted by the Gadgil Committee.
Q40. Which committee’s report led to the categorization of the Western Ghats into three zones of varied ecological sensitivity?
a) Gadgil Committee
b) Kasturirangan Committee
c) Athirappilly Committee
d) Oommen Committee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Gadgil Committee
Explanation: The Gadgil Committee report led to the categorization of the Western Ghats into three zones of varied ecological sensitivity. It proposed a framework for the establishment of the Western Ghats Ecology Authority and provided broad sectoral guidelines for each of these zones.