CPCB To Control Environmental Pollution

Pollution control measures in India were initiated in 1853 through the Shore Nuisance (Bombay and Kolaba) Act of 1853.

- Ellora De

It was closely followed by the Oriental Gas Company Act of 1857. These Acts were aimed to control water and environmental pollution. After independence, Article 48 (A) of Part IV of the constitution read, “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.” Article 51 A (g) imposed additional environment mandates on the Indian state.

Out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index, India’s position is 177. According to a biennial report by Yale and Columbia Universities along with the World Economic Forum, India stands with the bottom five countries on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2018 and has actually plummeted down 36 places, from its 141st position in 2016.

Central Pollution Control Board

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was initially named the ‘Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution.’ That name was later amended to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1988 (No. 53 of 1988). The Central Pollution Control Board has been entrusted with the added responsibilities of controlling air pollution since May, 1981 under the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Under section 18(1) (b) of the EP Act, 55 directions have been issued till date in 2018 by CPCB to control environmental pollution. Under Section 5 of the same Act, 1098 directions are issued till date in 2018 to implement orders to control pollution.

Controlling water pollution

Several steps are being taken by the Indian government to control water pollution. National Ganga River Basin Authority Programme is one of them.

Compliance verification of Grossly Polluting Industries