Why in News?
The Supreme Court upheld the power of Central Pollution Control Board to impose restitutionary damages under the Water and Air Acts to restore ecosystems. However, it directed the enforcement of this power only after issuing subordinate legislation.
Description:
- Statutory body constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Also empowered under:
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (as technical advisor to MoEF&CC)
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
Principal Functions
- Water Pollution Control:
- Promote cleanliness of streams and wells across states
- Prevent, control, and abate water pollution
- Air Pollution Control:
- Improve air quality across India
- Prevent, control, and abate air pollution
- Advisory Role:
- Advise the Central Government on air and water pollution matters
- Coordination & Guidance:
- Coordinate with and support State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
- Resolve disputes between SPCBs
- Provide technical and administrative assistance
- Delegated Authority:
- Powers under Water Act (1974), Water Cess Act (1977), and Air Act (1981) delegated to Union Territory administrations
Key Standards Developed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- Water Quality Criteria for rivers, lakes, groundwater
- Emission/Discharge Standards for:
- Industries (under Environment Protection Rules, 1986)
- Bio-medical waste incineration
- Diesel engines – emission & noise limits
- LPG/CNG Generator Sets – emission & noise norms
- Minimal National Standards (MINAS):
- Industry-specific minimum pollution norms
- Cover effluent discharge, air emissions, noise, and solid waste management
- Adopted by State Governments as minimum requirement
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