The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Introduction
The Act came into force in 1974 and is applicable to the states of Assam, Bihar, Madhya
Pradesh, Gujrat, Haryana, Tripura, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kerala,
and the union territories. It could also be adopted by any state through a resolution passed
declaring to adopt the Act.(The Water (Prevention and Control) Act, 1974(was introduced to
prevent and control water pollution and to restore and maintain the wholesomeness of water
for the establishment.
The Act also confers some powers to the established bodies such as the central board
and the state board to control pollution of the water bodies.
Defination
1. “ Board “ means either the central board or the state board.
2. Section 2 (e) of the Act defines what is pollution, according to Section 2(e)
pollution means any contamination of water or alteration of the physical, chemical
and biological properties of water or disposing of any sewage waste in water which
is likely to cause nuisance or renders such water to be harmful to public health or
safety or to domestic, industrial or other legitimate use or harmful to the life and
health of the animals and aquatic plants.
3. Includes- watercourse (flowing or dry), inland water whether natural or artificial,
subterranean water or sea or tidal waters as the state may prescribe from time to
time.
4. According to(Section 2 (b)(Central Board means Central Pollution Control Board.
5. According to(Section 2 (h)(State Board means State Pollution Control Board.
Agencies for controlling Water Pollution
There are two agencies set up as per the Act for controlling and preventing water pollution.
1. Central Board- Central Pollution Control Board
Constitution and Composition%(Section 3)
The Central Government through a notice in the official gazette has the power to assign or
set up a Central Board named as Central Pollution Control Board. As far as the composition
of the board is concerned the Central Board is to contain the following members:
1. A chairman who has the knowledge or has practical experience in dealing with
cases relating to environmental protection. The chairman is to be appointed by the
central government only.
2. Not more than 5 officials to represent the central government.
3. Not more than 5 members to be nominated by the central government from the
members of the State Board.
4. Maximum 3 members appointed by the central government to represent the
interests of agriculture, fisheries, trade or any other interest as the government
may seem fit.
