Q.7. Write a short note on Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Ans. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Introduction: It was enacted in the year 1981. The Government passed this Act in 1981 to clean up our air by controlling pollution. It states that sources of air pollution such as industry, vehicles, power plants, etc., are not permitted to release particulate matter, lead, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds or other toxic substances beyond a prescribed level.
To ensure this, Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) have been set up by Government to measure pollution levels in the atmosphere and at certain sources by testing the air.
1. Objectives of the Act:
(i) To provide for the prevention, control and reduction of air pollution.
(ii) To provide for the establishment of Central and State Boards with a view to implement the Act.
(iii) To confer on the Boards the powers to implement and assign functions relating to pollution
2. Power and Function of Central Pollution Board:
(i) Implementation: The main function of the Central Board is to implement legislation created to improve the quality of air and to prevent and control air pollution in the country.
(ii) Advisory Role: The-Board advises the Central Government on matters concerning the improvement of air quality and also coordinates activities. provides technical assistance and guidance to State Boards and lays down standards for the quality of air.
(iii) Information: It collects and disseminates information in respect of matters relating to air pollution and performs functions as prescribed in the Act.
3. Power and Functions of State Pollution Board:
(i) Advisory Role: The State Boards have the power to advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of air pollution. They have the right to inspect at all reasonable times any control equipment, industrial plant, or manufacturing process and give orders to take the necessary steps to control pollution.
(ii) Implementation: They are expected to inspect air pollution control areas at intervals or whenever necessary. They are empowered to provide standards for emissions to be laid down for different industrial plants with regard to quantity and composition of emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere.
4. Penalties: Any individual going against the act maybe punished with an imprisonment for up to 3 months and a fine of Rs. 10,000, and an extended fine of Rs. 5000 per day until the penalty is paid.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
Introduction: The government formulated the Water Prevention and Control Act in 1974 to prevent the pollution of water by industrial, agricultural and household wastewater that can contaminate our water sources. Wastewaters with high levels of pollutants that enter wetlands, rivers, lakes, wells as well as the sea are serious health hazards.
1. Objectives of the Act:
(i) to provide for prevention, control and reduction of water pollution
(ii) the maintenance or restoration of the wholesomeness of water
(iii) to assess pollution levels and punish polluters
(iv) establishment of Pollution Control Boards to monitor water pollution
2. Functions of the Central Board (Section 16)
(i) Promote: The main function of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States
(ii) Advisory Role: Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water pollution. Coordinate 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 water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution.
(iii) Establish/Recognise: The Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or well or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.
3. Functions of State Board (Section 17)
(i) To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of pollution of streams and wells in the State.
(ii) To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention. control or abatement of water pollution.
(iii) To collect and disseminate information relating to water pollution and the prevention, control or reduction of water pollution.
(iv) To encourage, conduct and participate in investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or reduction of water pollution.
(v) To collaborate with the Central Board in organising the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes relating to prevention, control or abatement of water pollution and to organise mass education programmes.
4. Penalty (Section 45 A):
Any individual going against the act maybe punished with an imprisonment for up to 3 months and a fine of Rs.10,000, and an extended fine of Rs.5,000 per day until the penalty is paid.
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