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Que : 40. Write a note on Pollution Control Board. OR What role does Pollution Central Board play in an enterprise? |
Answer: Industrial Pollution Control: The government enacted the Environment (Protection) Act in 1986, with one of its primary objectives being the regulation of industrial pollution. The Act grants authority to the government to establish bodies responsible for studying, planning, and executing environmental safety measures. This authority is tasked with regulating the discharge of pollutants into the environment and handling hazardous substances. The term "pollutant" encompasses any solid, liquid, or gaseous substance present in concentrations that could harm the environment. Similarly, "hazardous substance" refers to any material or preparation whose chemical or physical properties pose risks to humans, animals, plants, microorganisms, property, or the environment. Government Measures to Control Pollution: (i) Establishment of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The government set up the CPCB, which advises on matters related to preventing and controlling air, water, and noise pollution. It offers technical assistance to ministries for implementing the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Effluent and emission standards have been notified for 61 categories of industries under this Act. Additionally, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have been established by state governments. (ii) Identification of Polluting Industries: Seventeen categories of heavily polluting industries, such as fertilizers, iron and steel, and pesticides, have been identified. Units within these industries are required to install adequate pollution control facilities. Failure to comply has led to the closure of 155 non-compliant units. (iii) Identification of Critically Polluted Areas: The CPCB, in collaboration with state pollution control boards, has identified 24 critically polluted areas in the country. Special attention is directed toward these areas for pollution control. Action plans have been formulated and are being implemented to address pollution in these regions. (iv) Monitoring Programs: The CPCB, in collaboration with SPCBs, oversees the quality of the country's freshwater resources through a network of 507 monitoring stations nationwide. This monitoring effort has identified 13 heavily polluted and 26 moderately polluted river stretches. (v) Measures to Improve Environment and Prevent Pollution: The government has implemented various measures to enhance environmental quality and prevent pollution: (a) Nationwide programs for pollution prevention and control. (b) Establishment of standards for environmental quality. (c) Setting emission and discharge standards for pollutants. (d) Restricting industrial operations in certain areas or subjecting them to specific safeguards. (e) Developing procedures and safeguards to prevent accidents that may cause environmental pollution, along with remedial measures. (f) Establishing protocols for handling hazardous substances. (g) Evaluating manufacturing processes, materials, and substances for potential environmental impact. (h) Conducting research on environmental pollution issues. (i) Inspecting premises, plants, and processes to ensure compliance with pollution control regulations and taking necessary enforcement actions. (vi) Research and Information Dissemination: The central government has established environmental laboratories for research on environmental improvement and pollution control. The Act mandates the collection and dissemination of information related to environmental pollution. Additionally, the government prepares manuals and guides on pollution prevention and control. (vii) Pollution Control Measures: To control environmental pollution, the government has taken the following steps: (a) Requiring notification of any discharge exceeding prescribed standards, with the responsible party obligated to provide information and assistance to prevent pollution. Authorities undertake remedial actions, with incurred expenses recoverable from the responsible party. (b) Empowering government officers to inspect industrial plants suspected of violating the Act's provisions. (c) Authorizing government officers to collect samples of air, water, soil, or substances from factories or premises for analysis at environmental laboratories by qualified analysts. (viii) Penalties for Violations: Failure to comply with the Act's provisions may result in fines, imprisonment, or both for offenders, including heads of government departments. |
