Context:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has spent only 20 percent of the environment protection charge and environmental compensation collected so far on mitigating air pollution in Delhi-NCR and protecting the environment.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): An Overview
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): An Overview
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
- It was later entrusted with the responsibilities under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. CPCB operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and serves as the principal advisory body to the Central Government on matters related to water and air pollution control and environmental quality improvement.
Objectives and Functions:
- Water Pollution Control: CPCB aims to promote cleanliness and prevent, control, and abate water pollution in streams, wells, and other water bodies across different states.
- Air Pollution Control: It is responsible for improving air quality and preventing, controlling, or abating air pollution throughout the country.
- Technical Services and Advisory Role: CPCB provides technical support to MOEFCC and advises the Central Government on environmental protection, pollution prevention, and control measures.
Standardization Activities:
- Development of Standards: CPCB formulates national standards for ambient air quality, water quality criteria, emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from industries, and other related parameters.
- Manuals, Codes, and Guidelines: CPCB prepares and publishes manuals, codes, and guidelines pertaining to sewage treatment, trade effluent disposal, stack gas cleaning devices, and other environmental management practices.
- Comprehensive Industry Document Series (COINDS) and Minimal National Standards (MINAS): Under COINDS, CPCB formulates MINAS specific to various industries concerning effluent discharge, emissions, noise levels, and solid waste management. These standards serve as minimal benchmarks that State Governments are required to adopt and enforce.
Key Standards Developed by CPCB:
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards
- Water Quality Criteria for Different Sources
- Emission Standards for Industries
- Bio-Medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Guidelines
- Common Hazardous Waste Incineration Guidelines
- Vehicle Emission Norms
- Auto Fuel Quality Standards
- Emission and Noise Limits for Diesel Engines
- Emission and Noise Limits for LPG and CNG Generator Sets
-Source: The Hindu
