Question

Read the following statements:
I. In environmental laws, the polluter pays principle is enacted to make the polluter responsible for paying for the damage done to the natural environment.
II. The precautionary principle emphasizes caution, pausing and review before going for an innovation that may prove disastrous.
III. The precautionary principle is often used by policy makers in situations where there is the possibility of harm from making a certain decision and conclusive evidence is not yet available.
The correct choice is:

• A. I is correct; II and III are incorrect
• B. I, II and III are correct
• C. I and III are correct; II is incorrect
• D. I and II are correct; III is incorrect

Hint:

- \textbf{Polluter Pays Principle:} Polluters must bear the cost of pollution.
- \textbf{Precautionary Principle:} Act cautiously in the face of uncertainty.
- Both are foundational principles in environmental law and policy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Polluter Pays Principle (Statement I).
The polluter pays principle makes the polluting party bear the cost of managing pollution to prevent environmental damage. It is recognized in international and Indian environmental law. Hence, Statement I is correct.
Step 2: Precautionary Principle (Statement II).
The precautionary principle advises taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty. It requires caution, prior review, and pausing before carrying out innovations that may pose risks to human health or the environment. Thus, Statement II is correct.
Step 3: Application by policymakers (Statement III).
This principle is indeed applied when scientific evidence is insufficient but potential harm is serious or irreversible. Policymakers use it to delay or modify risky actions. Hence, Statement III is also correct. Therefore, all three statements are correct. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) I, II and III are correct}} \]