Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law and Policy

MAY (2020-2021)

Refer to the timeline for submission date

Total Marks: 50

The world limits and marks allocated to each question are mentioned after the question
Assignment -2
Question 1:

“The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 demonstrates the effectiveness of the principle of equitable
utilisation. This doctrine emphasizes distribution of resources in the manner that is most
beneficial to all the parties involved. Equitable utilisation has proven to be a mainstay of
international water rights negotiations. This treaty also elucidates the practicality and efficiency
of having a strong, non-political mediator.”

This year is the 60th year of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) which is a water-distribution
treaty between India and Pakistan. It was signed on 19th September 1960. Discuss the
‘reasonable and equitable utilization’ principle in the context of IWT. Do you think both
the countries have taken sufficient actions to address the issue?
(10 marks, 800-1000 words)

Question 2:

“On the one hand the rich look askance at our continuing poverty on the other they warn us
against their own methods. We do not wish to impoverish the environment any further and yet
we cannot for a moment forget the grim poverty of large numbers of people. Are not poverty and
need the greatest polluters? For instance, unless we are in a position to provide employment and
purchasing power for the daily necessities of the tribal people and those who live in or around our
jungles, we cannot prevent them from combing the forest for food and livelihood, from poaching
and from despoiling the vegetation. When they themselves feel deprived, how can we urge the
preservation of animals? How can we speak to those who live in villages and in slums about
keeping the oceans, the rivers and the air clean when their own lives are contaminated at the
source? The environment cannot be improved in conditions of poverty. Nor can poverty be
eradicated without the use of science and technology.”

The above extract is from the speech delivered at the Stockholm Conference in 1972 by
Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. Her speech is still remembered and considered
to be relevant. Comment on the role of population explosion and poverty in developing
and under developed nations in disturbing the ecological equilibrium.
(10 marks, 800-1000 words)

Question 3:

Critically review Article 8 of the Paris Agreement which focuses on loss and damage
associated with climate change impacts. Comment on what are the ways in which the
problems associated with it can be addressed.
(10 marks, 800-1000 words)

Question 4:
The role of indigenous peoples in climate change policies has been recognized by
Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Green Climate Fund is making efforts to enhance the livelihoods of indigenous
peoples and their ability to deal with climate change. In this context, discuss the
challenges faced by indigenous groups in India.
(10 marks, 800-1000 words)

Question 5:
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, divides marine
areas into five main zones- internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive
economic zone and the high seas. Discuss any three of these zones and explain how it is
regulated.
(10 marks, 800-1000 words)