Authorities under the Water Act, 1974

 The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, establishes a comprehensive framework for preventing and controlling water pollution in India. It also defines various authorities who play crucial roles in implementing the Act:

Central Level:

• Central Government:
  • Responsible for overall policy formulation, planning, and coordination.
  • Establishes the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
  • Has the power to declare certain areas as "special areas" requiring stricter pollution control measures.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
  • Apex body for monitoring and controlling water pollution.
  • Advises the Central Government on matters related to water pollution control.
  • Provides technical assistance to State Boards and carries out research and development activities.
  • Lays down effluent standards for various industries and discharges.

State Level:

• State Government:
  • Establishes a State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for every state.
  • Classifies water bodies within the state based on their designated best use.
  • Issues "consent to establish" and "consent to operate" permits for industries and other facilities discharging effluents into water bodies.
• State Pollution Control Board (SPCB):
  • Implements the Act within the state under the guidance of the CPCB.
  • Monitors water quality in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies within the state.
  • Takes action against polluters violating the provisions of the Act, including imposing penalties and closure of polluting units.
  • Coordinates with other state agencies and local bodies for pollution control activities.

Local Level:

• Local Authorities:
  • Municipal corporations, district panchayats, and other local bodies are responsible for implementing the Act within their jurisdictions.
  • This includes tasks like preventing pollution of drains, ponds, and other local water bodies.
  • They can also assist SPCB in monitoring and enforcement activities.

Other Authorities:

• Joint Boards:
  • Established for inter-state rivers or regions where pollution control requires coordinated efforts of multiple states.
  • Comprise representatives of the concerned states and the CPCB.
  • Perform functions similar to SPCBs within their jurisdiction.
• Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA):
  • Regulates and monitors groundwater extraction and utilization to prevent depletion and pollution.
  • Works in coordination with CPCB and SPCBs.

It's important to note that the specific roles and responsibilities of these authorities may vary depending on the provisions of the Act and state-level amendments.

Understanding the roles of these different authorities helps us appreciate the multi-tiered approach adopted by the Act to effectively address water pollution challenges across the country. By working together, these authorities can contribute to cleaner and healthier water resources for all.