The WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, of 1974 defined terms like pollution, sewage effluent, trade effluent, stream, and boards.
Features of WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974
- The Act provides for the maintenance and restoration of the quality of all types of surface and groundwater.
- Controlling bodies: It provides for the establishment of Central and State Boards for pollution control.
- Functions: The Act assigns powers and functions to these Boards to control pollution.
- Board authority: The Central and State Pollution Control Boards are given comprehensive powers to advise, coordinate, and provide technical assistance for the prevention and control of water pollution.
- Audit: The Act has provisions for funds, budgets, accounts, and audits of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
- Prohibition: The Act prohibits the disposal of any poisonous, noxious, or polluting matter to the flow of water in a stream. However, dumping any material into a stream for reclamation of land is not considered an offense.
- Penalties: The Act provides for severe and deterrent punishments for violation of the Act which includes fines and imprisonment.
Related Links: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960
