Functions of the State Pollution Control Boards

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, vide Sec. 3, empowers the Central Government to constitute a Central Board for the prevention and control of water pollution in the Union Territories of India. Under the same Act, vide Sec. 4, the State Governments have also been empowered to constitute State Boards for the prevention and control of air pollution in the respective States. Accordingly, the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Boards have been constituted for the prevention and control of water and air pollution. Central Pollution Control Board acts under the directions of the Central Government. 

State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) play a pivotal role in India’s environmental governance framework, acting as regulatory and advisory bodies at the state level. These boards are instrumental in ensuring the environmental health of their regions by implementing the directives and standards set by the central authority and the specific legislations under which they operate. 

What are State Pollution Control Boards?

State Pollution Control Boards are statutory bodies established by state governments in India, responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations within their respective states. Their main objective is to prevent, control and abate environmental pollution, focusing primarily on air and water pollution. 

SPCBs monitor the quality of air and water, set environmental standards and ensure compliance through regular inspections and monitoring of industrial and other activities. They also provide technical assistance, conduct research on environmental issues and engage in public education and awareness campaigns.

By working in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other local bodies, SPCBs play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding public health and the environment.

Constitution of State Pollution Boards

A State Board shall consist of the following members, namely:

(a) Chairman is a person has special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters relating to environmental protection or a person having knowledge and experience in administering institutions dealing with the matters aforesaid, to be nominated by the State Government provided, that the Chairman may be either whole-time or part-time as the State Government may, think fit.

(b) Such number of officials, not exceeding five, to be nominated by the State Government to represent that Government.

(c) Such number of persons, not exceeding five, to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the members of the local authorities functioning within the State.

(d) Such number of non-officials not exceeding three, to be nominated by the State Government to represent the interests of agriculture, fishery or industry or trade or any other which, in the opinion of the State Government, ought to be represented

(e) Two persons to represent the companies or corporations owned, controlled and managed by the State Government.

(f) A full time Member Secretary having such qualifications. knowledge and experience of scientific, engineering or management aspects of pollution control as may be fixed by the State Government

What are the Key Functions of Functions of the State Pollution Control Boards

This section discusses the comprehensive functions of the State Pollution Control Boards, as outlined in significant environmental laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, among others.

Planning and Execution of Pollution Control Programs

One of the primary responsibilities of the SPCBs is to plan comprehensive programs for the prevention, control or abatement of air and water pollution. These programs are designed not only to meet current regulatory requirements but also to anticipate future environmental challenges. 

The boards ensure the effective execution of these plans by coordinating with local bodies, industries and other stakeholders. This proactive approach helps in maintaining a strategic check over environmental degradation and in fostering sustainable development within the state.

Advisory Role

SPCBs serve as key advisors to the state governments on various matters related to air and water pollution. Their expert recommendations are important in shaping state policies on environmental conservation. 

This includes advising on the implementation of laws, suggesting modifications to existing policies based on ground realities and helping draft new regulations that address emergent environmental issues.

Information Collection and Dissemination

An important function of the SPCBs is to gather and disseminate information regarding air and water pollution. This involves monitoring pollution levels, maintaining records of environmental data and conducting environmental assessments and audits. 

The collected data are important for informed decision-making both at the state and central levels. Moreover, these boards play a vital role in educating the public by providing accessible information on pollution and its effects, thereby fostering a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility.

Collaboration and Training

Collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board and other agencies is essential for the SPCBs. These collaborations help in organising training programs for individuals engaged in activities related to pollution control. 

Such training initiatives enhance the capabilities of personnel to tackle pollution effectively and ensure that the workforce is updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in pollution abatement.

Technical Assistance and Research

SPCBs provide technical assistance and guidance to local bodies, industries and research institutions dealing with pollution-related issues. 

They sponsor and conduct research on various environmental problems, particularly those that have a significant impact on water and air quality within the state. This function is vital for developing new solutions and strategies to combat pollution effectively.

Standards Setting

One of the critical functions of the SPCBs involves setting, modifying and annulling standards for maintaining the quality of streams, wells and air. These standards are established in consultation with the state government and are important for regulating the quality of natural resources. 

They ensure that the emission of pollutants is within the safe limits, thereby protecting the environment and public health.

Industrial Location Advisement

The SPCBs also advise the state government on the suitability and location of industries based on the potential environmental impact. This includes assessing the likelihood of an industry to pollute streams, wells or the air. 

Proper siting of industries helps in minimising environmental impacts and facilitates the integration of pollution control measures from the planning stage itself.

Emission and Effluent Standards

Setting standards for the treatment of sewage, trade effluents and industrial emissions is another vital responsibility of the SPCBs. 

These standards ensure that the effluents discharged into water bodies and emissions released into the atmosphere are treated to remove harmful substances before release, thus safeguarding water and air quality.

Pollution Control Areas

Identifying and declaring certain areas within the state as pollution control zones is a strategic function of the SPCBs. These zones may be designated as either Water Pollution Prevention and Control Areas or Air Pollution Control Areas, depending on the prevailing environmental concerns. Such designations are important for implementing stricter pollution control measures in areas that are particularly vulnerable to pollution.

Augmented Powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has further extended the powers and responsibilities of the SPCBs, emphasising their important role in environmental management. Under this Act, the boards have enhanced authority to tackle various environmental issues more effectively and to enforce environmental laws rigorously.

Conclusion

The State Pollution Control Boards are fundamental to India’s environmental regulatory mechanism. They not only enforce environmental laws and standards but also play a proactive role in planning, monitoring and managing the ecological balance within the states. Their multifaceted functions are important for ensuring that development is both sustainable and environmentally responsible. Through their diligent efforts, SPCBs help pave the way for a cleaner, healthier environment, thus contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the country’s populace.