ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES(ES)

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Lesson 29: Environmental protection acts

Functions and powers of the pollution control boards

Central and state water-testing laboratories have been set up to enable the boards to assess the extent of water pollution and standards have been set up to enable the boards to assess the extent of water pollution and standards have been laid down to establish guilt and default. The central and state boards are entitled to certain powers and functions which are as follows:
Central Board:
It has the power to advice the Central Government on my matters concerning the prevention and control of water pollution. The board coordinates the activities of the State Boards and also resolves disputes. The central board can provide technical assistance and guidelines to State boards to carry out investigations and research relating to water pollution, and organizes training for people involved in the process.
The main function of the central board is to implement legislation created to improve the quality of air to prevent and control air pollution in the country. It advises the central government on air quality improvement matters. It coordinates activities, provides technical assistance and guidance to State Boards and lays down standards for the quality of air. It performs functions as prescribed in the Act.

State Boards:
They have the power to advice the state government on any matters concerning water pollution. The board inspects sewage or trade effluents, treatment plants, purification plants and the systems of disposal and also evolves economical and reliable methods of treatment of sewage and other effluents. It plans the utilization of sewage water for agriculture.
The state board advices state governments with respect to location of industries.
They are expected to inspect air pollution control areas at intervals or whenever necessary. They are empowered to provide standards for emissions to be laid down for different industrial plants with regard to quantity and composition of emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere.

Penalties:

1. Penalties are charged for acts that have caused pollution.
   
2. An individual or organization that fails to comply with the directions given in the subsection of the law can be convicted or punished with imprisonment for a term for a three months or with a fine of Rs.10000 or both and in case failure continues an additional fine of Rs.5000 every day.
   
3. If a person who has already been convicted for any offence is found guilty of the same offence again, she/he after the second and every subsequent conviction would be punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than two years but which may extend to seven years with a fine.
   
4. The persons managing industry are to be penalized if they produce emissions of air pollutants in excess of the standards laid down by the State Board.
   
5. Whoever contravenes any of the provision of the Act or any order or direction issued is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with a fine of Rs.10000 or with both, and in case of continuing offence with an additional fine which may extend to Rs. 5000 for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first contravention.