Environmental Law And Policy Objectives

The EIA Notification 2020 draft sought to significantly revise the 2006 EIA framework, changing how environmental clearances are granted in India.
One of the major criticisms of the 2020 draft was that it weakened public participation and reduced regulatory oversight for many categories of projects.
Regarding Option (A):
The draft EIA 2020 removed several projects from the mandatory public consultation requirement.
These include modernization of irrigation projects, offshore/onshore exploration up to a certain depth, and several B2-category projects.
This represents a major shift from EIA 2006, where public consultation was a core requirement for most project categories.
Thus, option (A) is correct.
Regarding Option (B):
The draft introduced an expanded list of Category B2 projects, which are explicitly exempt from:
• detailed EIA study,
• public hearing, and
• comprehensive environmental appraisal.
Examples: small mineral mining leases, inland waterway projects, certain building/construction activities, etc.
Therefore, this exemption represents a major regulatory relaxation, making option (B) correct.
Regarding Option (C):
This is incorrect because the draft notification does the opposite — it reduces the scope of public consultation rather than expanding it.
Regarding Option (D):
This is incorrect because Category B2 projects are specifically exempted from detailed EIA, not brought under it.
Therefore, the correct statements reflecting key changes in the EIA 2020 draft notification are (A) and (B).
Final Answer: (A), (B)

Step 1: Recall what Urban Heat Island (UHI) is.
- UHI refers to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural surroundings. - Caused by heat absorption from concrete, asphalt, low vegetation, waste heat from vehicles, industries, etc.
Step 2: Analyze Statement (A).
- More vegetation and trees reduce heat storage, provide shade, and increase evapotranspiration. - Hence, this reduces UHI effect. - Statement (A) is TRUE.
Step 3: Analyze Statement (B).
- UHI intensity is influenced by air pollutants (including PM ) since aerosols trap heat and modify radiative balance. - Hence, Statement (B) is TRUE.
Step 4: Analyze Statement (C).
- Reflective (cool) roofs reflect solar radiation, reduce heat absorption, and therefore reduce UHI intensity. - The statement says UHI “increases”, which is opposite. - Hence, Statement (C) is NOT TRUE.
Step 5: Analyze Statement (D).
- UHI effect is stronger at night since urban surfaces slowly release absorbed heat while rural areas cool faster. - Thus, cities remain warmer during night compared to day. - Statement (D) is TRUE.
Step 6: Conclusion.
Only Statement (C) is NOT true. Final Answer: