Pollution Control Boards: Environmental Management / Studies

Role of Central/State Pollution Control Board/s

• The Central/State Pollution Control Board advises the government on all matters that concerns pollution – be it water or air related pollution.
• The Central/State Pollution Control Board also spreads awareness and information related to air and water pollution control and prevention.
• In general, promote cleanliness of various water bodies by controlling water pollution, and to improve the quality of air in the state/country, as prescribed by the various environmental pollution reduction and control acts
• Issue notices to companies flouting environmental norms
• Work closely with municipal authorities to help them effectively get rid of solid waste.
• Regulate and control noise producing and generating sources with the aim of reducing/controlling noise pollution

Challenges faced by Central/State Pollution Control Board/s
Here are some of the reasons why the various pollution control boards have not been able to enforce various environmental pollution reduction and control acts effectively:

• Scarcity of funds acts as an obstacle for development in several areas. Funds are required to commission treatment plans, solar energy plants, trash carrying vans, drainage infrastructure, etc.
• Several villages do not have waste management plant which results in indiscriminate dumping that causes choked drains, contaminated water supply and air pollution
• Rapid urbanisation at various locations renders the various measures to tackle waste inadequate.
• Chronic garbage and plastic burning at various places due to ineffective waste disposal program leads to poor air quality.
• Increasing number of vehicles on the road, because of poor public transportation, causes air pollution.
• Indiscriminate dumping of waste from small to medium industries causes air and water pollution

References:
Ecological Policy and Politics in Developing Countries