The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act

<–2/”>a >The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act was enacted in 1974 to provide for the prevention and control of Water Pollution, and for the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water in the country. The Act was amended in 1988. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act was enacted in 1977, to provide for the levy and collection of a cess on water consumed by persons operating and carrying on certain types of industrial activities. This cess is collected with a view to augment the Resources of the Central Board and the State Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

The main purpose of The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act is to levy and collect cess on water consumed by certain categories of Industry specified in the schedule appended to the Act. The Money thus collected is used by CPCB and SPCBs to prevent and control water pollution.

The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act provides for constitution of central and State Boards for preventing water pollution, power to take water samples and their analysis, discharge of sewage or trade effluents, appeals, revision, minimum and maximum penalties, publication of names of offenders, offences by companies and Government departments, cognizance of offences, water laboratories, analysis etc.

Prevention and control of water pollution is achieved through a permit or ‘Consent administration’ procedure. Discharge of effluents is permitted by obtaining the consent of the State Water Board, subject to any condition they specify. Any person who fails to comply with a directive of the State cannot, however, entertain in suit under this Act unless the suit is brought by, or with the sanction of the State Board.

Functions of Central Board:

1. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the main function of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States.
2. In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing function, the Central Board may perform all or any of the following functions, namely:

a) Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water pollution
b) Co-ordinate the activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them
c) Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
d) Plan and organize the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify
e) Organize through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention and control of water pollution
(perform such of the functions of any State Board as may be specified in an order made under sub section(2) of Section 18)
f) Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention and control and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents and disseminate information connected therewith
g) Lay down, modify or annul, in consultation with the State Government concerned, the standards for a stream or well
(Provided that different standards may be laid down for the same stream or well or for different streams or wells, having regard to the quality of waterflow characteristics of the stream or well and the nature of the use of the water in such stream or well or streams or wells)
h) Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
i) Perform such other functions as may be prescribed

3. The Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any stream or well or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.

Functions of the State Boards:

a) To plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of pollution of streams and wells in the State and to secure the execution thereof
b) To advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
c) To collect and disseminate information relating to water pollution and the prevention, control or abatement thereof
d) To encourage, conduct and participate in investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution
e) To collaborate with the Central Board in organizing the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes relating to prevention, control or abatement of water pollution and to organise mass Education programmes relating thereto
f) To inspect sewage or trade effluents, works and Plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents and to review plans, specifications or other data relating to plants set up for the treatment of water, works for the purification thereof and the system for the disposal of sewage or trade effluents or in connection with the grant of any consent as required by this Act
g) To lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents and for the quality of receiving waters (not being water in an inter-State stream) resulting from the discharge of effluents and to classify waters of the State
h) To evolve economical and reliable methods of treatment of sewage and trade effluents, having regard to the peculiar conditions of soils, Climate and Water Resources of different regions and more especially the prevailing flow characteristics of water in streams and wells which render it impossible to attain even the minimum degree of dilution
i) To evolve methods of utilization of sewage and suitable trade effluents in agriculture) To evolve efficient methods of disposal of sewage and trade effluents on land, as are necessary on account of the predominant conditions of scant stream flows that do not provide for major part of the year the minimum degree of dilution
j) To lay down standards of treatment of sewage and trade effluents to be discharged into any particular stream taking into account the minimum fair weather dilution available in that stream and the Tolerance limits of pollution permissible in the water of the stream, after the discharge of such effluents
k) To make, vary or revoke any order

i)?for the prevention, control or abatement of discharges of waste into streams or wells
ii)?requiring any person concerned to construct new systems for the disposal of sewage and trade effluents or to modify, alter or extend any such remedial measures as are necessary to prevent, control or abate water pollution

l) To lay down effluent standards to be complied with by persons while causing discharge of sewage or sullage or both and to lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade effluents
m) To advise the State Government with respect to the location of any industry the carrying on of which is likely to pollute a stream or well
n) To perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be entrusted to it by the Central Board or the State Government.,

The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974 (WPCP Act) is an act of the Parliament of India enacted to provide for the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Act was enacted in response to the growing problem of water pollution in India.

The Act defines water pollution as “the contamination of water (whether underground or surface water) in such a manner as to render it harmful to human Health, or to animals or plants or to the Environment“. The Act also defines “effluent” as “any liquid, solid or gaseous substance which is discharged from any premises into a stream or well or into the sea”.

The Act provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB and SPCBs) to prevent, control and abate water pollution. The CPCB and SPCBs are responsible for monitoring water quality, issuing consents for the discharge of effluents, and taking enforcement action against polluters.

The Act also provides for the establishment of Water Quality Standards (WQS) and Effluent Standards (ES). WQS are standards for the quality of water in streams, wells and the sea. ES are standards for the quality of effluents that can be discharged from industries and other sources.

The Act requires all industries and other sources that discharge effluents into water bodies to obtain a consent from the CPCB or SPCB. The consent is issued after the CPCB or SPCB is satisfied that the effluents from the industry or source will not violate the WQS.

The Act also empowers the CPCB and SPCBs to inspect any premises from which effluents are discharged into water bodies. The CPCB and SPCBs can also take samples of effluents and water for analysis.

The Act provides for the maintenance of registers and returns by industries and other sources that discharge effluents into water bodies. The registers and returns must contain information on the nature and quantity of effluents discharged, the treatment facilities used, and the monitoring results.

The Act also provides for penalties for contravention of its provisions. The penalties include imprisonment, fines, and closure of the offending industry or source.

The Act also provides for appeals against the orders of the CPCB and SPCBs. Appeals can be made to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) or the High Court.

The Act has been amended several times since its enactment. The most recent amendment was in 2017. The amendment has made several changes to the Act, including strengthening the powers of the CPCB and SPCBs, increasing the penalties for contravention of the Act, and providing for the establishment of State Water Quality Management Boards (SWQMBs).

The WPCP Act is a landmark legislation that has played a significant role in the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution in India. The Act has helped to improve the quality of water in rivers, lakes and other water bodies. The Act has also helped to reduce the pollution load from industries and other sources.

However, the Act has not been able to fully address the problem of water pollution in India. There are still many areas where water quality is poor. The Act also faces challenges in implementation. The CPCB and SPCBs are often understaffed and underfunded. This makes it difficult for them to effectively enforce the Act.

Despite these challenges, the WPCP Act is a valuable tool for the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution in India. The Act has helped to improve the quality of water in many parts of the country. The Act also provides a framework for the effective management of water resources in India.

Here are some frequently asked questions about water pollution and their short answers:

What is water pollution?
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (such as lakes, rivers, Oceans, aquifers and groundwater) with substances that are harmful to human health, aquatic life, and the environment.
What are the causes of water pollution?
The main causes of water pollution are:
Industrial waste: Factories and other industrial facilities often discharge wastewater into nearby waterways. This wastewater can contain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants.
Agricultural runoff: When it rains, Fertilizers and pesticides from farms can wash into nearby waterways. These chemicals can harm aquatic life and make the water unsafe for drinking.
Urban runoff: When it rains, oil, grease, and other pollutants from streets and parking lots can wash into storm drains. These pollutants can then end up in waterways.
Sewage: Sewage is wastewater from homes and businesses. If sewage is not properly treated, it can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause disease.
Oil spills: Oil spills can occur when oil tankers or pipelines leak, or when oil is accidentally released into the environment. Oil spills can have a devastating impact on marine life and Ecosystems.
What are the effects of water pollution?
Water pollution can have a number of negative effects on human health, aquatic life, and the environment. Some of the effects of water pollution include:
Human health problems: Water pollution can cause a number of health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, reproductive problems, and cancer.
Harm to aquatic life: Water pollution can harm aquatic life, including fish, shellfish, and other marine animals. This can lead to Population declines and even extinction.
Damage to ecosystems: Water pollution can damage ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coral reefs. This can disrupt the natural balance of these ecosystems and make them less resilient to other threats.
Economic impacts: Water pollution can have a number of economic impacts, including lost tourism revenue, decreased property values, and increased health care costs.
How can we prevent water pollution?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent water pollution, including:
Investing in wastewater treatment: Properly treating wastewater can help to remove harmful pollutants before they reach waterways.
Reducing agricultural runoff: Farmers can reduce agricultural runoff by using less fertilizer and pesticides, and by planting cover crops.
Managing urban runoff: Cities can manage urban runoff by building storm drains that filter out pollutants, and by planting trees and other vegetation to absorb rainwater.
Reducing sewage leaks: Sewer systems should be regularly inspected and repaired to prevent leaks.
Preventing oil spills: Oil tankers and pipelines should be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent leaks.
What are the laws and regulations that protect water quality?
There are a number of laws and regulations that protect water quality, including the Clean Water Act, the Safe drinking water Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These laws and regulations set standards for water quality and regulate the discharge of pollutants into waterways.
What can I do to help prevent water pollution?
There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent water pollution, including:
Reduce your water usage: The less water you use, the less wastewater will be generated.
Recycle and compost: Recycling and composting can help to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, where it can contaminate groundwater.
Use less fertilizer and pesticides: Fertilizer and pesticides can runoff into waterways and harm aquatic life.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly: Hazardous materials should be disposed of properly, not down the drain or in the trash.
Support organizations that work to protect water quality: There are a number of organizations that work to protect water quality. You can support their work by donating money or time.

Water pollution is a serious problem that can have a number of negative effects on human health, aquatic life, and the environment. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent water pollution, and everyone can play a role in helping to protect our water resources.

The following are some MCQs on the topics of water pollution and water treatment:

What is water pollution?
(A) The contamination of water bodies by harmful substances
(B) The removal of harmful substances from water bodies
(C) The regulation of water use
(D) The management of water resources
What are the main sources of water pollution?
(A) Industrial waste
(B) Agricultural runoff
(C) Urban runoff
(D) All of the above
What are the main effects of water pollution?
(A) Harm to human health
(B) Harm to aquatic life
(C) Damage to ecosystems
(D) All of the above
What are some of the ways to prevent water pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Use less water
(C) Properly dispose of waste
(D) All of the above
What are some of the ways to treat water pollution?
(A) Physical treatment
(B) Chemical treatment
(C) Biological treatment
(D) All of the above
What is the difference between point source pollution and nonpoint source pollution?
(A) Point source pollution comes from a specific source, such as a factory or sewage treatment plant, while nonpoint source pollution comes from a variety of sources, such as runoff from farms or roads.
(B) Point source pollution is easier to control than nonpoint source pollution.
(C) Point source pollution is more harmful to human health than nonpoint source pollution.
(D) None of the above.
What is the Clean Water Act?
(A) A law that regulates water pollution in the United States
(B) A law that regulates water use in the United States
(C) A law that manages water resources in the United States
(D) A law that funds water treatment in the United States
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?
(A) A law that regulates water pollution in the United States
(B) A law that regulates water use in the United States
(C) A law that manages water resources in the United States
(D) A law that funds water treatment in the United States
What is the Water Pollution Control Act?
(A) A law that regulates water pollution in the United States
(B) A law that regulates water use in the United States
(C) A law that manages water resources in the United States
(D) A law that funds water treatment in the United States
What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)?
(A) A permit program that regulates the discharge of pollutants into water bodies
(B) A program that funds water treatment
(C) A program that manages water resources
(D) A program that regulates water use