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Difficulty: MediumNational Environmental Legislation, Acts and Policies in India

With reference to environmental governance and legislation in India, consider the following statements regarding the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

1. The CPCB was established as a statutory organization under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. It provides technical assistance and guidance to the Central Government and coordinates the activities of State Pollution Control Boards.
3. It is entrusted with powers and functions under both the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 onlyAnswer
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The option selecting statements 2 and 3 only is correct. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Later, it was also entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. It serves as a field formation and provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change while coordinating activities across State Pollution Control Boards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding the parent legislation of the CPCB.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Central Pollution Control Board was established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Although CPCB plays a key role under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, its statutory creation stems from the Water Act of 1974.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding technical assistance and coordination functions.
Statement 2 is correct.
CPCB advises the Central Government on pollution control matters and coordinates the activities of State Boards to resolve disputes and standardize technical procedures.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding statutory coverage under multiple Acts.
Statement 3 is correct.
CPCB was later entrusted with functions and powers under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, alongside its original mandate under the Water Act, 1974.

Key Concept

Statutory origins and mandate of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
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Topics

National Environmental Legislation, Acts and Policies in India