Environmental pollution by factories
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in association with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs/PCCs), is implementing several provisions to prevent and control pollution of the environment.
Highlights
- CPCB categorizes industries into Red, Orange, Green and White categories, on the basis of Pollution Index (PI) which is a function of potential of water pollution, air pollution, and hazardous waste generation and the same is implemented by the respective SPCB/PCC.
- Accordingly, the consent is issued to establish/operate the units in the State/UT by SPCB/PCC.
- SPCBs/PCCs also monitor the compliance of effluent and emissions discharge standards.
- In case of non-compliance, action against the unit is taken under provisions of the Water Act, 1974, the Air Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- As per the information, received from SPCBs/PCCs, there are total 5,26,691 operational units (having pollution potential) in the country which includes Red, Orange and Green categories.
- Actions such as issuance of show-cause notices/closure directions, are taken in case of violation of environmental regulations, as deemed fit.
- The Government has taken a number of regulatory measures to keep the level of pollution by industrial units under control.
Prelims Takeaway
- CPCB
- SPCB