The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed with the objective of prevention, control and abatement of water pollution and the maintenance or restoration of the wholesomeness of water.

  • It establishes standards for water quality and effluent. Polluting industries were mandated to seek permission to discharge waste into effluent bodies.
  • The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) was constituted under this Act. States too were directed to create State Pollution Control Boards to check water pollution.
  • Successive amendments (1977, 1978 and 1988) have ensured that the Act remains in-tune with the changing dynamics of pollution.

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