Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India, established in September 1974 under
the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, stands as the principal regulatory
authority at the national level entrusted with the monumental task of safeguarding the
environment. Initially formed with the specific mandate of addressing water pollution, the
CPCB's scope of responsibility expanded significantly when it was conferred with powers
and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. This pivotal
development underscored the nation's recognition of the interconnectedness of air and water
quality, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental conservation.

Since its inception, the CPCB has been at the forefront of setting and enforcing standards for
pollution control across various sectors of industry and infrastructure. Its mandate extends
beyond mere regulation; the board actively engages in monitoring environmental quality,
conducting research, and implementing policies aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of
pollution on public health and ecological integrity.
With a steadfast commitment to its mission, the CPCB operates through a network of regional
offices strategically located throughout the country, ensuring a coordinated and effective
response to environmental challenges across diverse geographical and industrial contexts.
These regional offices serve as vital hubs for data collection, analysis, and dissemination,
facilitating informed decision-making at both the local and national levels.

The CPCB's multifaceted approach to environmental stewardship encompasses not only

regulatory enforcement but also proactive initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable
development and fostering public awareness. Through collaborations with government
agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, the board endeavors to foster
a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation, driving towards a future where
economic growth is harmonized with ecological well-being.

The Major Functions of Central Pollution Control Board:

1. Development of National Policies and Guidelines for Pollution Control in the

Petroleum Industry:
- The CPCB plays a pivotal role in formulating comprehensive policies and guidelines
specifically tailored to address pollution concerns within the petroleum industry.
- Through extensive research and stakeholder consultations, the board identifies key areas of
environmental impact and devises targeted strategies to mitigate pollution at every stage of
petroleum production, refining, and distribution.
- These policies serve as a roadmap for industry stakeholders, providing clear directives on
best practices, technological standards, and compliance requirements to minimize adverse
environmental effects while ensuring sustainable growth.

2. Coordination with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for Uniform

Implementation of Regulations:
- Recognizing the decentralized nature of environmental regulation in India, the CPCB
works closely with SPCBs to harmonize regulatory frameworks and enforcement
mechanisms across states.
- Through regular communication channels and collaborative initiatives, the board fosters a
cohesive approach to pollution control, facilitating the exchange of expertise, resources, and
data between central and state-level authorities.
- This coordinated effort ensures consistent adherence to national standards and regulations,
thereby enhancing the effectiveness of pollution control measures and promoting equitable
environmental governance nationwide.

3. Monitoring Pollution Levels and Implementing Corrective Actions:

- Leveraging advanced monitoring technologies and data analytics, the CPCB conducts
rigorous assessments of pollution levels in key industrial zones, including those associated
with the petroleum sector.
 - Real-time monitoring systems enable prompt detection of exceedances and deviations
from prescribed environmental norms, triggering immediate corrective actions to mitigate
potential harm to ecosystems and public health.
- The board employs a range of intervention strategies, such as enforcement actions,
pollution abatement measures, and capacity-building initiatives, to address identified sources
of pollution and prevent recurrence, thus safeguarding the environment for present and future
generations.

4. Promotion of Technological Innovation and Best Practices:

- As a driving force for environmental innovation, the CPCB actively fosters research and
development initiatives aimed at advancing pollution control technologies and practices
within the petroleum industry.
- Through partnerships with academic institutions, research laboratories, and industry
stakeholders, the board facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise, encouraging the
adoption of state-of-the-art solutions for pollution prevention, resource conservation, and
waste management.
- By promoting a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, the CPCB
empowers the petroleum industry to embrace sustainable development principles and
embrace cutting-edge technologies that minimize environmental footprint while maximizing
operational efficiency.

5. Capacity Building and Public Awareness Initiatives:

- Recognizing the importance of community engagement in environmental stewardship, the
CPCB conducts extensive outreach programs and awareness campaigns to educate
stakeholders about the importance of pollution control in the petroleum sector.
- Targeted training sessions, workshops, and seminars are organized to enhance the capacity
of industry professionals, regulatory officials, and local communities in identifying,
mitigating, and reporting pollution incidents.
- By fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among all stakeholders, the board
seeks to foster a culture of environmental consciousness and collective action, empowering
individuals and organizations to actively contribute to the preservation of natural resources
and ecological integrity.
State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)

Environment and Forest Department,

Govt. of Assam
.

The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) in India serve as the frontline regulatory bodies
tasked with upholding environmental laws and regulations within each state. The State
Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) were established following the enactment of the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1981. These laws mandated the creation of SPCBs to oversee pollution
control activities at the state level in India. Their primary mission revolves around ensuring
pollution control measures are implemented effectively to safeguard public health and the
environment.

SPCBs play a crucial role in enforcing various environmental statutes and rules governing
industries, businesses, and other entities operating within their respective states. These
regulations cover a wide range of activities, including waste management, air and water
pollution control, hazardous substance handling, and industrial emissions.

Through a combination of monitoring, inspection, and enforcement activities, SPCBs work

tirelessly to ensure compliance with environmental standards and norms. They conduct
regular inspections of industrial facilities, construction sites, and other potential sources of
pollution to assess their environmental impact and adherence to regulatory requirements.
In addition to enforcement, SPCBs also engage in proactive initiatives aimed at promoting
pollution prevention and sustainable development practices. They provide guidance,
assistance, and technical support to industries and businesses to help them adopt cleaner
production techniques, utilize eco-friendly technologies, and minimize their environmental
footprint.

Furthermore, SPCBs play a vital role in raising public awareness about environmental issues
and encouraging community participation in pollution control efforts. They disseminate
information, organize workshops, and collaborate with educational institutions and civil
society organizations to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship.

The Major functions of State Pollution Control Board:

1. Issuance of Permits for Industrial Activities:

- SPCBs are responsible for granting permits and licenses for various petroleum-related
activities, including refining, storage, and transportation, ensuring that these operations
adhere to stringent pollution control standards and regulations.

2. Conducting Inspections to Ensure Compliance:

- SPCBs conduct regular inspections of petroleum facilities to verify compliance with
pollution control measures, environmental norms, and permit conditions.
- These inspections serve to identify any violations or deviations from prescribed standards
and initiate corrective actions as necessary to mitigate environmental risks.

3. Implementation of Mitigation Measures:

- SPCBs work proactively to implement measures aimed at mitigating the environmental
impacts of petroleum operations.
- This includes monitoring and controlling emissions, managing waste disposal, and
implementing pollution prevention and control technologies to minimize adverse effects on
air, water, and soil quality.

4. Monitoring and Data Collection:

- SPCBs establish comprehensive monitoring programs to track pollution levels and
environmental indicators associated with petroleum activities.
- Through the collection and analysis of data, SPCBs assess the environmental performance
of petroleum facilities, identify trends, and prioritize areas for intervention and improvement.

5. Enforcement of Environmental Regulations:

- SPCBs enforce a range of environmental regulations related to petroleum operations,
ensuring strict adherence to legal requirements and standards.
- They have the authority to impose penalties, sanctions, and enforcement actions against
non-compliant entities to deter violations and promote accountability.
 6. Stakeholder Engagement and Public Participation:
- SPCBs actively engage with stakeholders, including industry representatives, community
groups, and governmental agencies, to foster collaboration and consensus-building on
environmental issues.
- They promote public participation through consultation processes, public hearings, and
awareness campaigns, empowering communities to voice their concerns and contribute to
decision-making processes.

7. Capacity Building and Training:

- SPCBs invest in capacity building initiatives to enhance the knowledge and skills of their
staff, industry personnel, and other stakeholders involved in petroleum-related activities.
- Training programs, workshops, and educational outreach efforts are organized to promote
best practices, technical expertise, and compliance with environmental regulations.

The Laws and Rules Governed by The Pollution Control Boards:

WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974.

● Rules framed under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (Assam
Rules-1977).
● The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1978.
● The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1988.
2. THE WATER (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF POLLUTION) CESS ACT,
1977.
● Rules framed under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (Assam
Rules-1977).
3. THE AIR (PREVENTION & CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981.
● The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Assam Rule, 1991, framed under Air
(Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
● The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1987.
4. THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986.
● The Environment Protection Rules, 1986 (2000)
● The Hazardous and other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules,
2016.
● The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 and its
Amendments.
● The Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organism
Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules, 1989.
● The Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules,
1986.
● The Bio Medical Waste Management Rules ,2016.
● The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
● The Plastic waste Management Rules, 2016.
● The Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000,
 ● Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001.
● Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation) Rules, 2000.
● Environment Impact Assesment Notification 2006.
5. THE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE ACT, 1991.
● The Public Liability Insurance Rules, 1991.
6. THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT APPELLATE AUTHORITY ACT, 1997.