The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoE,FCC).

It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

CPCB is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

It is the apex organisation in country in the field of pollution control, as a technical wing of MoEFCC.

Role and Functions of CPCB

The board conducts environmental assessments and research.

It is responsible for maintaining national standards under a variety of environmental laws, in consultation with zonal offices, tribal, and local governments.

It has responsibilities to conduct monitoring of water and air quality,and maintains monitoring data.

The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.

It advises the central government to prevent and control water and air pollution.

It also advises the Governments of Union Territories on industrial and other sources of water and air pollution.

CPCB along with its counterparts the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) are responsible for implementation of legislation relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

QUES . How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? UPSC 2018

1 . The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

2 . The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a . 1 only

b . 2 only

c . Both 1 and 2

d . Neither 1 nor 2

Ans b

EXPLANATION

National Green Tribunal

The NGT was established on October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. On 18 October 2010, Justice Lokeshwar Singh Panta became its first Chairman.

The stated purpose behind establishment of NGT was to provide a specialized forum for effective and speedy disposal of cases pertaining to environment protection, conservation of forests and for seeking compensation for damages caused to people or property due to violation of environmental laws or conditions specified while granting permissions.

For more information on National Green Tribunal refer https://fotisedu.com/national-green-tribunal-establishment-purpose-structure-members-powers/