Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

The CPCB was constituted as a statutory organization under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Furthermore, post the passage of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, additional powers were entrusted upon CPCB.

Important Functions of CPCB

• Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their prevention, control or abatement.
• Co-ordinate the activities of the State Board and resolve disputes among them.
• To lend technical services to the MoEFCC as per Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Important Initiatives by CPCB

• Air Quality Monitoring – The National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP) has been established with objectives to determine the present air quality status and trends and to control and regulate pollution from industries and other source to meet the air quality standards. It also provides background air quality data needed for industrial siting and towns planning.
• Water Quality Monitoring – Here CPCB collect, collate and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution.

Conclusion

Air pollution has long been a serious problem for India, mainly due to high polluting industries and political factors such as the low priority of environmental issues and lack of public participation. Also, it is affecting public health in India. However, the measures taken by Indian government have had limited success, what is therefore needed is to create a culture that values the environment. This alone would in long way help to fight the ills of pollution and help in eradicating the menace from its core.