Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Forests, Climate Change, and the Environment (MoEFCC). CPCB is an agency of the Indian government that regulates the monitoring of air and water quality as well as other matters about pollution. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 established this body. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 granted it power and responsibilities. Under the provisions of the Climate (Security) Act, of 1986, it serves as a field arrangement and provides the Service of Climate and Woods with specific kinds of assistance.

In this article, we will look into the background, organizational structure, functions, issues, and shortcomings of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). We will also look into the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) and National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP).

What is the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

The Central Pollution Control Board was established by the Indian government in September 1974 and is a recognized statutory body. By prohibiting, controlling, and subsidizing water contamination, the Air (Prohibition and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 granted it the authority and duties required to advance and enhance the purity of streams and wells in specific state areas.

It facilitates the use of the State Pollution Control Sheets by providing guidance and expert assistance, as well as resolving conflicts between them. It is the top association for contamination control in the country and is a specialist section of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The Executive of the board is chosen by the Bureau of the Public Authority of India’s Arrangements Council.

Background of Central Pollution Control Board

The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and assigned it powers and responsibilities on September 23, 1974. The Central Board and the State Pollution Control Boards were given additional authority to combat air pollution after 1981 through the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 is a significant segment of the law that has increased the Central Board’s functions by enacting environmental protection measures and issuing various Rules under the Act.

It provides technical support to the Ministry of Forests and the Environment in compliance with the terms of the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.  The Central Pollution Control Board replaced the Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Pollution as the organization’s initial name on April 1, 1088. In terms of pollution control, it is the highest-ranking organization in this country.

Organizational Structure of Central Pollution Control Board

CPCB is headed by its chairman, who is assisted by the Member Secretary and other members. The CPCB uses the following nine main project budget heads to carry out its different responsibilities:

• Evaluation of pollution (monitoring and surveying)
• R&D as well as lab management
• Establishing rules and regulations for emissions and wastewater requirements particular to a given industry
• Instruction in information database administration and library
• Technology for reducing pollution
• Enforcement of pollution control measures
• Publications and general awareness
• Management of hazardous waste

Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board

As per the 1974 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the 1981 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the main functions of the CPCB are as follows:

• Provide the Central Government with advice on any issue related to enhancing air quality, and preventing and controlling air and water pollution.
• Create and implement a national program aimed at preventing, reducing, or controlling air and water pollution.
• Coordinating State Board operations and resolving disagreements among them.
• Plan a thorough media-driven public education campaign about the avoidance, mitigation, and management of air and water pollution.
• Gather, aggregate, and distribute technical and statistical information about air and water pollution, as well as the strategies devised to mitigate, manage, or avoid it.
• Create instructions, standards, and manuals for the treatment and disposal of trade and sewage effluent, stack gas cleaning equipment, stacks, and ducts.
• Spread knowledge about air and water pollution, including preventive and remedial measures.
• Establish air quality standards and, in consultation with the appropriate state governments, establish, amend, or abolish stream or well standards.
• Provide state boards with technical support and direction, carry out and fund studies and research on issues related to air and water pollution, and work toward preventing, controlling, or reducing it.
• Organize and plan training for those working on initiatives to reduce, avoid, or manage air and water pollution.

CPCB and National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)

India’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is being tracked by the Central Pollution Control Board through the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), a nationwide initiative. The following are the goals of NAMP:

• To determine the patterns and condition of ambient air quality.
• To determine whether there is a violation of the established air quality requirements.
• Identifying the non-attainment cities and reducing the amount of air pollution in those areas.
• To get the necessary knowledge and expertise needed to create preventative and remedial actions.
• To comprehend the environmental purification process that is taking place.
• NAMP periodically monitors air pollutants like RSPM/PM10, SO2, NO2, and PM2.5.

CPCB and National Water Quality Monitoring Program (NWMP)

Water is a limited and essential resource for human survival. In addition to taking several steps to minimize water pollution, CPCB gathers statistical and technical data about the issue.

• Under the NWMP, the Central Pollution Control Board monitors the nation’s water quality in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PPCs).
• There are 4111 stations in the water quality monitoring network, which is comprised of 28 states and 8 union territories.
• Every six months, groundwater is observed.
• Surface water bodies are observed either monthly or quarterly.
• Monitoring of micropollutants (either before or after the monsoon) twice a year.

Challenges & Shortcomings with CPCB

A few problems with the CPCB’s current setup that need to be fixed immediately are as follows:

• Since the Chairperson’s position has no term limit, it has been vacant for almost two years on two separate occasions.
• Certain IAS officers and bureaucrats who lack the requisite skills and knowledge in pollution control management hold important positions in the CPCB.
• Also, CPCB employees’ salaries are too low to draw in qualified candidates for open positions.

Conclusion

Independent of the MoEFCC and the Central Government, the CPCB needs to be a self-governing organization. Generally, economic expansion takes priority over environmental preservation in government policy. Members of the CPCB need to be authorities in their respective fields and possess an extensive understanding of environmental matters in our nation. Not only should CPCB be given autonomy, but its existing standards also need to be updated.

Central Pollution Control Board UPSC

The UPSC Syllabus includes the Central Pollution Control Board as one of the major government organizations. The topic is important from the perspective of the UPSC Exam, and it is mostly addressed through current affairs. To gain a better understanding of the questions that are asked, applicants may go through UPSC Previous Year Question Papers. It is covered in the UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 and preliminary exams. Students preparing for UPSC exam can go through this article for comprehensive UPSC Notes on Central Pollution Control Board.

FAQs on Central Pollution Control Board

1. What is the Central Pollution Control Board?

In September 1974, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a statutory organization. Also, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 gave the CPCB the authority and duties that it currently possesses.

2. What is the aim of Central Pollution Control Board?

By preventing, controlling, and reducing water pollution and enhancing air quality, CPCB seeks to improve the cleanliness of streams and wells in various parts of the States under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

3. What is the role of Central Pollution Control Board under Air Act 1981?

Role of Central Pollution Control Board under Air Act 1981 is to conduct and support studies and research related to air pollution abatement, control, and prevention. To gather, aggregate, and distribute statistical and technical information about air pollution; and to establish yearly guidelines for air quality.

4. What is the difference between CPCB and SPCB?

The CPCB is responsible for implementing the Water and Air Acts as well as additional environmental Acts that may be added later. State Pollution Control Boards exist in the nation’s capital cities to provide guidance to state governments on environmental protection and management.

5. How many members are there in Central Pollution Control Board?

Section 3 states that the Central Government may designate a maximum of five officials to the Central Pollution Control Board and may not designate more than five individuals from among the State Board members.

6. How many sections are there in Air Pollution Act 1981?

On March 29, 1981, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, which was passed in accordance with Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, went into effect. There are 54 Sections total in 7 Chapters of the Act.