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It was in September 1974 that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Article 252 of the Indian constitution. It works under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981.
The main function of CPCB is the protection of environment and abatement of pollution. It also promotes environment research, regulation and enforcement of law for constituting a healthy environment. This statutory body was initially named as Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Pollution and was changed to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1988 to improve water and air quality in different parts of the country. The Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) was passed by the parliament in 1986, and it gave additional powers to the CPCB closing the gap between Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981).
Article 252 of the Indian constitution gave way for the creation of a statutory body at the national level and like bodies at the state level. Article 252 deals with the Power of Parliament to legislate for two or more States by consent and adoption of such legislation by any other State. The CPCB was constituted at the national level and played the pioneering role in environmental protection. It also acted as a supervising body for the pollution control bodies at the state providing them with technical guidance, scientific data and support. The CPCB has its head office in New Delhi, with nine regional directorates (RD Bhopal, RD Bengaluru, RD Lucknow, RD Kolkata, RD Vadodara, RD Chennai, RD Pune, RD Chandigarh, RD Shillong), one project office (Project office Agra) that covers the activities of different states in India. At the state level, states have State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and union territories have Pollution Control Committees (PCCs).
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) were constituted under Section 4 of the Water Act, 1974 and the Air Act, 1981 and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) were constituted Section 4 (4) of the Water Act, 1974 and Section 6 of Air Act, 198. SPCBs and PCCs implement provisions of the environmental acts and works to protect the environment in the concerned region under the guidance, support and monitoring of the CPCB. Other bodies that work for the protection of the environment and reduction of pollution include National Biodiversity Authority India (NBA) constituted in 2003, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) constituted in 1986, and National Green Tribunal (NGT)constituted in 2010. All these bodies are involved in taking concrete steps to protect and conserve the environment.
Protection of the environment is described in the Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental duties of the Indian constitution. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) Article 48A describe as follows: “Protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country” and Fundamental duties (Part IV A) Article 51A(e), describe as follows: “To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures”. The central government has enacted several laws over the years for the protection of the environment. These laws were framed against the backdrop of the UN conference on Human Environment in Stockholm, in 1972 and led to the formation of National Council for Environmental Policy and Planning in 1972 within the Science and Technology Department and was later converted to MoEFCC ( Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change,NEW DELHI,INDIA. Some noteworthy laws include:
1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
2. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
3. The Environment (Protection) Act,1986
4. The ozone depleting substances (regulation and control) rules, 2000
5. Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018
6. Biological Diversity Act, 2002
7. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
8. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
9. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016
10. Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016
11. Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules 2016
12. Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
13. The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016
14. The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016
15. Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016
16. The Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2018
17. The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021
It has been 50 years since the establishment of CPCB and it would be fair to evaluate its activity until now. The CPCB is the organization that is at the forefront of fighting pollution and environmental degradation. It acts as a body that makes assessments, collects data and analyses them. It also advices the central government on the steps that must be taken and also co-ordinates the activities of the state pollution control bodies. Some of the successful initiatives taken by CPCB include setting sector specific standards, e-waste management, fixing water quality criteria and national ambient air quality standards, river cleaning, sewage treatment, awareness programmes, data collection and analysis and measurement of pollution levels in different areas.
Water quality monitoring and air quality monitoring are two important functions that the CPCB undertakes. Water quality monitoring is very important for water quality management as water is an indispensable source playing an important role in all activities from agriculture, industry, drinking and almost all aspects of human activities. India being a country with 2.4 million water bodies (Ministry of Jal Shakti, census-2018-19) takes utmost importance in protecting its water bodies, analysis, surveillance and quality monitoring. Air quality monitoring is also one of the chief functions of CPCB leading to the establishment of National Air Monitoring Programme, a network consisting of 804 operating stations covering 344 cities/towns in 28 states and 6 Union Territories of the country with the goal of collecting data, analysing and take steps to reduce pollution in different parts of India. On a positive note, the number of polluted river stretches has decreased from 351 in year 2018 to 311 in year 2022.
The CPCB has set up several laws and standards for various parameters pertaining to environment. The major among the following are the water quality standard, wastewater (effluent) discharge standard, Air Quality Standard, Noise standard to name a few.
The Water Quality Assessment Authority (WQAA) was established by the ministry in 2001 to supervise and coordinate the activity and working of the water management agencies in the country. The WQAA has been successful in its working. It collects data and analyses them. They have also enhanced the activity of states by instituting standardized monitoring protocols and the formation state-level Water Quality Review Committees that analyse and examine the data that are provided. There are also a number of private companies, academic institutions and local bodies that are responsible for the maintenance of water technology systems. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) determines the water quality standards for various activities. The BIS established IS 10500:2012 as the official standard for drinking water quality. This standard was initially prescribed in 1983 but has undergone several revisions from then with the latest being in 2012. Reports from the National Statistics Office (NSO) mention that two thirds of Indian Households consume untreated and unsafe water. Thus the water quality standards and its enforcement holds great importance. The standard BIS 10500:2012, can be seen here.
Apart from the drinking water, the water quality at the coastal waters marine outfalls has been described separately. Depending on the use and activity, the water quality criteria has been specified to determine its suitability for the particular purpose; the designated classifications are – suitable for shell fishing, bathing, contact water sports and commercial fishing, industrial cooling and non-contact recreation, harbour and navigation. The details of the same can be found here.
The CPCB time to time prescribes new laws on discharge of treated wastewater. The law has two angles – one General Standards for Discharge of Environmental Pollutants – Effluents and Industry specific standards for the wastewater discharge.
a) General Standards for Discharge of Environmental Pollutants. The details of which can be found here
Addition to the general effluent standards, several industries have to comply with specific standards as well. The details of industry sector with the limits can be found here.
Industrial emission standards are set by the ministry in collaboration with the CPCB. It is based on the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The standards are set by the government in collaboration with the CPCB and SPCBs. The SPCBs of the concerned state may set up higher standards depending on the situation of the state. The Ministry provides emission standards to air and water for over 100 industries. These range from high emitting industries, such as thermal power plants, petroleum oil refineries and integrated iron and steel facilities, to more localised sources such as flour mills, the starch industry and the cashew seed processing industry. Schedule I of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 lists the standards for the emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from industries, processes, or operations. These standards include the maximum allowable limits of concentration for pollutants.
The CPCB revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards Gazette of India, Extra-ordinary Part-II Section 3, sub section (ii), dated Nov 18, 2009, with the objective of protecting public health, reducing pollution and providing a yardstick which could be used to measure air quality. (put hyper link for Ambient air quality standard). Other than the ambient air standard, there are emission standards specific industries and equipment including that for stacks. The ambient air standard can be found here
Industry specific emission standard can be found here
Odour control is in its nascent stage in India. There are odour removal directions only in case of two industries- fermentation industries and the natural rubber industries. That too, very vague, Schedule II and Schedule VI of the Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986 state that efforts, as much as possible, to remove odours should be made. While some industrial sectors (Paper and pulp industry, petroleum and oil refineries, pesticide industry and rayon industry) have Emission Limit Values for some emissions that may cause odour, these values are not determined by the potential for odours in the emissions. There are emission limit values for odorants like hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, carbon sulphide and total organic carbon. Many countries have odour monitoring standards based on Olfactometric techniques, for instance Europe has olfactometry based standards from early 1980s whereas in India we are still struggling to formulate one.
In 2008, CPCB released a “Guidelines on Odour pollution and its control” and in 2017, CPCB released a “Guidelines on Odour monitoring & Management in Urban Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill site“; but so far not formulated a law regarding the odour pollution control or a country-wide standard.
Noise pollution is many an times counted under the air pollution. The regulation on the same can be found here.
In 2023, India was declared as the third most polluted country in the world after Bangladesh and Pakistan (IQAir 2023) with an average PM2.5 concentrations of 53.3 micrograms per cubic metre (which is 10.9 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value) rising from eighth position in 2022 indicating the worsening situation. The same data also said that 42 of the top 50 polluted cities in India were in India, Begasurai at the top followed by Guwahati and New Delhi (IQAir 2023). According to a data of the World Economic Forum, 70 percent of the surface water is unfit for consumption with 40 million litres of wastewater entering rivers and similar water bodies (Geographies in Depth October 4, 2019). The main reasons for this deterioration of environment quality are industrialization, urbanization, poverty, mismanagement of environment overuse of natural resources and poor enforcement of laws. This has led to severe problems in both plants and animals. It has severely impacted human health causing respiratory problems and has also lead to widespread deaths. According to an article in Nature, India has emerged as the largest contributor of plastic pollution. It is estimated that environmental degradation has cost India 80 billion dollars. So does this mean that our pollution control boards have failed considerably? No!!! India is taking the environmental protection very seriously, and progressing at a good pace.
A CPCB study published last year found that air quality in New Delhi was improving, though it remained as the most polluted city of the country. Various awareness programmes and initiatives have led to greater participation among the youth. Steps taken by CPCB are surely going to be of greater value and significance in the coming years and there is no doubt that with proper implementation, the environment will surely become much better in the country.
Two of the prominent environmental initiatives taken by Government of India in the last decade for the environmental protection are the Namami Gange Programme and the National clean air programme (NCAP)
1) Namami Gange Programme
The Namami Ganga initiated in 2014 to clean up the river Ganga has achieved significant milestones. It has led to restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem in the river, with notable increase in the population of Gangetic dolphins, otters and turtles. ollution levels in the Ganga river. Recent analysis by the CPCB showed improvements in quality of water in five states of the Ganga main stem.
2) The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by the Indian Government in January, 2019 in efforts to combat air pollution. 95 out of 131 cities showed improved air quality with 21 cities surpassing the 40 per cent reduction goal for PM10 pollution.
In addition to the above, the CPCB The pollution control board has released many rules in 2024
The above are a sample set of few of the upcoming rules in India. In our opinion, the best part of the Liquid Waste Management Rule 2024 is the emphasis on the recovery and reuse of the resource, mandating time specified goals for the reuse.
There are several steps that can be taken which better the working of our regulatory bodies including CPCB which can ensure a healthier environment. Few of our observations are
As American jurist, Joseph P. Bradley said, “Society cannot exist without law. Law is the bond of society: that which makes it, that which preserves it and keeps it together. It is, in fact, the essence of civil society”.
Due to rise of urbanization, industrialization and deforestation pollution has risen to alarming levels in India. This is often supplemented by the fact that economic advancement is given priority over environmental protection without keeping a balance. In addition, lack of proper waste disposal facilities, lack of sewage facilities and improper management practices in the past have contributed to this menace. It is with the interference of agencies like CPCB, State Pollution Control Boards, National Green Tribunal, and so on the things are not worsening. It is imperative that futuristic steps be taken at the earliest without which there can be dire consequences. Odour pollution is on the rise and complaints that arise as a result of odour contaminants must be given due consideration. If all these steps are taken, we can ensure better environment.
Let us know if you have any suggestions on the outlook for a better tomorrow!!
About the Author:
Mr Jiyyad Muhammed is the Technical Content Writer at Elixir Enviro Systems Pvt ltd. Mr Jiyyad completed his masters degree in Biotechnology from Pondicherry University and Bachelors degree in Botany and Biotechnology from University of Kerala. He is passionate in research. He is also Editorial Associate in Plant Science Today Journal. His first novel “Alley of Deception” released very recently.
After installation of EES’ Cocofil biofilter, the complaints regarding fishy odour from the factory has diminished. The system is working well with very low operation cost as well as better efficiency as compared to our previous odour control unit.
The system is in operation since 2020
DGM, Avanti Feeds Ltd, Gujarat
EES is our trusted partner in the odour control and wastewater treatment. They have installed the odour control unit consisting of different scrubbers, biofilters and a Biological Nutrient Removal based ETP. There were instances where we had faced near to closure, but EES’s support helped us a lot. Currently EES has been given operation contract for the Odour Control Unit and for the Effluent Treatment Plant
The System is in operation since 2017.
Managing Partner, Collagen Marine Products, Kerala
Elixir Enviro Systems has installed two Biofilters at our ossein plant in 2015 and 2017 respectively. EES has demonstrated the odour removal efficiency in our presence with over 98% odour removal. We thank you for your support.
Sr Manager, Kerala
Elixir Enviro System has done the installation and commissioning of Biofilter based Odour control system for Feed manufacturing unit at Orisa in 2017. The work has been completed in accordance with the Work order. We have also witnessed an odour removal efficiency of over 99%.
AGM, Falcon Feeds, Orrisa
