The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 is a key piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution. The act provides the legal framework for protecting water bodies from pollution and for maintaining their ecological balance.
The act applies to all surface water and groundwater sources, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and wells. It establishes the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to enforce the provisions of the act and to monitor the quality of water bodies in the country.
The act sets standards for the discharge of pollutants into water bodies, and it requires industries and other sources of water pollution to obtain consent to operate from the relevant pollution control boards. The act also gives the pollution control boards the power to inspect and monitor industries and to enforce penalties for non-compliance with the provisions of the act.
In addition to controlling industrial and municipal pollution, the act also includes provisions for the protection of wetlands and the conservation of water resources. This includes the requirement for industries and other activities that may impact wetlands to obtain clearance from the relevant authorities.
The act has been amended several times since its inception, most recently in 1988, to reflect changing environmental conditions and to keep pace with technological advancements in the field of pollution control.
In conclusion, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 is a crucial piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution. The act establishes the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to enforce its provisions and to monitor water quality, sets standards for the discharge of pollutants, and includes provisions for the protection of wetlands and the conservation of water resources. The act has been amended several times over the years to keep pace with changing environmental conditions and advancements in pollution control.