Context:
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) criticized the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) for not giving enough information about pollution levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the Maha Kumbh festival.
- A report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed high levels of bacteria from human and animal waste in the river where they meet.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Statutory body:
- Constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
- Powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- Provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Principal Functions:
- Promote cleanliness of streams and wells by preventing, controlling, and abating water pollution.
- Improve air quality and prevent, control, or abate air pollution.
- Advises the Central Government on air and water pollution control.
- Standard Development Activities:
- Development/Revision of Environmental Standards.
- Upgradation of Comprehensive Industrial Document (COINDS).
- Provides guidelines for environmental management in various industrial sectors.
- Standards and Guidelines:
- In consultation with the state government, CPCB sets standards for streams, wells, and air quality.
- Prepares manuals, codes, and guidance for sewage and trade effluent treatment, gas cleaning devices, stacks, and ducts.
- Standards Developed by CPCB:
- National ambient air quality standards.
- Water Quality Criteria from different sources.
- Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from various industries (under Environment Protection Rules, 1986).
- Standards for Bio-Medical Waste treatment and disposal by incineration.
- Emission standards and Noise limits for Diesel Engines.
- Emission and Noise Limit of LPG and CNG Generator Sets.
- Minimal National Standards (MINAS):
- Specific standards for various industry categories regarding effluent discharge (water pollutants), emissions (air pollutants), noise levels, and solid waste.
- Required adoption by State Governments as minimal standards.
National Green Tribunal (NGT):
- Statutory body: Established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
- Objective: Effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources.
- Procedure: Not bound by Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but guided by principles of natural justice.
- Mandate: Endeavour to dispose of applications or appeals within 6 months of filing.
- Initial Setup:
- Headquarters: New Delhi (Principal Place of Sitting).
- Other 4 places of sitting: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai.
- Composition:
- Chairperson, Judicial Members, Expert Members.
- Chairperson appointed by Central Government in consultation with Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- Jurisdiction: Resolves civil cases under 7 environmental laws:
- Water Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution), 1974.
- Water Cess Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution), 1977.
- Forest Act (Conservation), 1980.
- Air Act (Prevention and Control of Pollution), 1981.
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization that was established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.