Introduction

In this article you will get correct and relevant information about " Water ( Prevention And Control Of Pollution ) Act, 1974 " in simple language so that you will be able to understand it. We all know how important water is for all living beings like plants, animals and human beings. Water is such a natural resource with the help of which we are living. But nowadays such activities are increasing due to which water is getting polluted day by day, as all the waste from industries and households are discharged into the river. Seeing all these negligence, the Parliament of India passed the water Act. 

The Water Act, 1974 

The water act came into force in 1974 and is applicable to certain states of India and the Union Territories. It could be adopted by any state through a resolution passed declaring to adopt the act. This act was a law passed by the Parliament of India to prevent and control water pollution. Section 2(e) of the act defines water pollution as ' the direct or indirect discharge of sewage, industrial wastes, or any liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water which alters the physical, chemical, or biological properties of water to make it harmful or injurious to public health and the health of animals or of aquatic organisms'. 

This act lead to the creation of two agencies that are Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards ( SPCBs) to promote cleanliness in India. 



Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB) 

The central government through a notice constituted the Central Pollution Control Board because water act give some powers to the central government to established such bodies. The Central Board has following members with the help of which all the activities are carried out. 

  • A Chairman who has knowledge and experience about environment protection. 
  • Maximum 5 officials to represent the central government. 
  • Maximum 5 members to be nominated by the central government from the member of State Board. 

Functions Of Central Pollution Control Board

  1. To plan and cause the executed a nationwide programme for the prevention and control of water pollution. 
  2. To prepare manuals,codes Or guides related to the treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents. 
  3. Collection of technical and statistical data related to water pollution, and the measures devised for its effective prevention and control. 
  4. To provide technical assistance and guidances to the state pollution control boards and coordinate their activities. 
  5. To advice the central government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water pollution. 

State Pollution Control Boards ( SPCBs) 

State Pollution Control Boards was also constituted by the central government through a notice . State board has following members with the help of which all the activities are carried out at state level. 

  • A Chairman who has knowledge about environment protection. 
  • Maximum 5 members appointed by the state government to represent government. 
  • Maximum 2 members appointment by the state government who are functioning at local authorities. 

Functions Of State Pollution Control Boards

  1. The functions of state pollution control boards are similar to those of central pollution control board but they are to be executed at state level. 
  2. To advice the state government on any matter relating to the prevention and control of water pollution. 
  3. To control and prevent pollution with the advice of central government. 
  4. The board is authorized to take samples from industrial effluent or sewage and it lays down the standards for effluents. 
  5. To appoint or train the person so that he can control or prevent the water pollution.