Air pollution & Water pollution control laws

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution is a chemical, physical or biological agent that alters the natural characteristics regarding the atmosphere

A host of major sources of pollution have been identified with the greatest source of emissions surrounding our automobiles.

An assortment of gases, such as carbon dioxide, which helps make the global warming problem worse, is also a newly recognized culprit for air pollution.

Control acts. For Air Pollution:

1948 – Factories Act and Amendment in 1987 was the first to express concern for the working environment of the workers. The amendment of 1987 has sharpened its environmental focus and expanded its application to hazardous processes.

1981 – Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act provides for the control and abatement of air pollution. It entrusts the power of enforcing this act to the Central Pollution Control Board.

1982 – Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules defines the procedures of the meetings of the Boards and the powers entrusted on them.

1982 – Atomic Energy Act deals with the radioactive waste. 1987 – Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution)

Amendment Act empowers the central and state pollution boards to meet with grave emergencies of air pollution.

1988 – Motor Vehicles Act states that all hazardous waste is to be properly packaged, labeled and transported.

FUNCTIONS OF BOARDSFunctions of Central Board

advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution

plan and cause to be executed a nation -wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution

co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them

provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution

plan and organise the training of persons organise through mass media a comprehensive programme lay down standards for the quality of air collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to air

pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention, control

FUNCTIONS OF BOARDS

Functions of State Boards

to advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution

to inspect, at all reasonable times, any control equipment, industrial plant or manufacturing process

to inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think necessary, assess the quality of air therein

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION Power to declare air pollution control areas

Power to give instructions for ensuring standards for emission from automobiles

Restrictions on use of certain industrial plants

Person carrying on industry, etc. not to allow emission of air pollutants in excess of the standards laid down by State Board

Power of entry and inspection

Power to obtain information

Power to take samples of air or emission and procedure to be followed in connection therewith

Water Pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies.

This form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.

Features of Act Water Pollution

It provides for maintenance and restoration of quality of all types of surface and ground water.

It provides for the establishment of central and state boards of pollution control.

It confers them with powers and functions to control pollution.

It has provision for funds, budgets, accounts and audit of the central and state pollution control boards.

It also makes provision for various penalties for the defaulters and procedure for the same.

Central Pollution Control Board’s Objectives It advises the central government in matters related to prevention

and control of water pollution. All the state pollution control boards (SPCBs) are guided and

technically assisted by CPCB. It organizes training programs for prevention and control of

pollution at various places. It also organizes comprehensive programs on pollution related

issues through mass media. It collects, compiles and publishes technical and statistical data

related to pollution. It prepares manuals for treatment and disposal of sewage and

trade effluents. Lays down standards for water quality parameters. It plans nation-wide programs for prevention, control or

abatement of pollution. It establishes and recognizes laboratories for analysis of water,

sewage or trade effluent samples.

State Pollution Control Board’s Objectives

The board advices the state government with respect to the locations of any industry that might pollute a stream, well or any water body.

It lays down standard for effluents and is empowered to take samples from any stream, well or trade effluent or sewage passing through an industry.

Every industry has to obtain consent from the Board by applying on a prescribed Proforma providing all technical details, along with a prescribed fee following which analysis of the effluent is carried out.

The Board suggests efficient methods for utilization, treatment and disposal of trade effluents.

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