Logical (Critical) Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 82

The sources of Delhi’s air pollution are well known. Studies have shown that vehicular exhaust, industrial emissions, and dust from construction sites combine with fumes from seasonal farm fires to create the national capital’s chronic public health hazard. However, there has been little consensus on identifying which pollutants contribute how much, and at what time of the year, to the crisis. This lack of clarity has often hindered targeted interventions.

The Commission for Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM), set up in 2020, was tasked with addressing this gap. The continued persistence of poor air quality highlights the failure of the agency under the Union environment ministry to fulfil its mandate. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court pulled up the Commission for failing to identify the definite causes of the worsening AQI and for not offering long-term solutions.

AQI data clearly indicate that Delhi’s air pollution problem is not confined to a particular season but exists throughout the year, fluctuating in severity across months, weeks, days, and even hours. Tackling the high base pollution level requires a decisive regulator with sustained focus on emission hotspots such as industrial areas, congested traffic corridors, construction sites, and unpaved roads.

Such monitoring is crucial not only for swift policy responses but also for generating real-time, granular data capable of identifying emerging trends before they escalate into emergencies. Continuous data streams can also help align responses across multiple agencies, including traffic police, transport authorities, municipal bodies, and pollution control boards. However, the absence of a coordinated approach has consistently undermined pollution control efforts in the country.

Five years after its formation, the CAQM has not risen adequately to this challenge. The agency has largely followed a reactive approach similar to that of its predecessor, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, relying on bans and punitive measures. Even these steps have often fallen short, as implementation depends on state pollution boards, municipal authorities, and law enforcement agencies.

This fragmented system has resulted in a serious accountability deficit and a lack of urgency. In September last year, the Supreme Court criticised the CAQM for the infrequent meetings of its subcommittees, which had convened only once in three months. On Tuesday, a two-judge Bench directed the CAQM to quantify emissions from each pollution source and develop long-term solutions.

The Supreme Court’s reproach should serve as a wake-up call for the pollution watchdog and a reminder to the Centre to address the agency’s structural weaknesses.

Question 1

What is the primary criticism made by the Supreme Court against the Commission for Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM)?

A. Its failure to identify definite causes of worsening AQI and propose long-term solutions
B. Its lack of authority over state pollution control boards
C. Its over-reliance on judicial intervention for pollution control
D. Its inability to enforce seasonal bans on construction and traffic

Correct Answer: A

Question 2

According to the passage, why have targeted interventions to address Delhi’s air pollution been difficult to implement?

A. Because pollution sources change unpredictably every year
B. Because there is no legal framework governing air pollution
C. Because there is a lack of clarity on the contribution of each pollutant across time
D. Because data on air pollution is unavailable to policymakers

Correct Answer: C

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why the CAQM’s approach is described as “reactive” in the passage?

A. It focuses primarily on emergency health measures during pollution peaks
B. It relies on public complaints rather than scientific data
C. It prioritises court directions over environmental research
D. It largely imposes bans and punitive measures instead of preventive planning

Correct Answer: D

Question 4

What does the passage suggest is essential for addressing Delhi’s high base pollution levels?

A. A decisive regulator with continuous focus on emission hotspots
B. Greater public participation in pollution control measures
C. Replacement of state pollution boards with a central authority
D. Increased penalties for industrial and vehicular emissions

Correct Answer: A

Question 5

The passage implies that accountability in pollution control has suffered mainly due to:

A. Lack of financial resources with regulatory bodies
B. Judicial overreach in environmental governance
C. Public resistance to pollution-control measures
D. A fragmented system involving multiple implementing agencies

Correct Answer: D