WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974
06/December/2025 23:45
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1. Introduction
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is one of India’s earliest and most important environmental laws.
Its main purpose is to prevent and control water pollution and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, streams, and other water bodies.
This Act also established two major bodies:
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
These boards regulate industries, monitor water quality, and enforce pollution standards.
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2. Meaning of Water Pollution (According to the Act)
Water pollution means contamination of water that:
Harms human health
Affects aquatic life
Makes water unsafe for drinking, bathing, irrigation, or industrial use
Changes the physical, chemical, or biological properties of water
Example:
Dumping industrial waste containing chemicals into a river makes it unfit to drink or use.
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3. Objectives of the Act
1. Prevent water pollution
2. Control and regulate discharge of pollutants into water bodies
3. Maintain water purity
4. Ensure safe water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use
5. Establish boards (CPCB & SPCB) to check pollution
6. Set standards for sewage and industrial waste
7. Punish violators with fines and imprisonment
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4. Major Provisions of the Act (Explained Simply)
1. Pollution Control Boards
Two bodies are created:
a) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Advises central government
Sets national water quality standards
Coordinates with state boards
b) State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
Give permissions to industries
Monitor water quality in rivers and lakes
Inspect industrial units
Take action against polluters
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2. Consent/ License to Discharge Waste
Industries must obtain permission from the State Pollution Control Board before:
Starting operations
Discharging sewage or effluents into water
This is called a Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).
Example:
A textile factory must get permission before discharging colored wastewater into a drain or river.
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3. Prohibition on Polluting Water Bodies
The Act prohibits any person or industry from:
Dumping waste
Discharging toxic chemicals
Throwing sewage
Letting unfiltered water enter rivers, lakes, wells, etc.
Example:
A sugar mill cannot release untreated molasses waste into a nearby canal.
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4. Setting Standards for Effluents
The board sets limits for pollutants:
Chemical levels
Temperature
Toxic substances
pH balance
Industries must treat their wastewater to meet these standards.
Example:
A paper mill must install an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) before releasing water.
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5. Power to Inspect
CPCB/SPCB can:
Enter factory premises
Check records
Collect water samples
Shut down polluting units
Example:
If a dairy plant releases untreated wastewater, SPCB officers can inspect and order them to stop operations.
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6. Penalties and Punishments
Violations lead to:
Fines
Imprisonment (3 months to 7 years)
Closure of the industry
Cutting water/electricity supply
Example:
A paint manufacturing unit refusing to install waste treatment may be shut down and penalized.
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5. Real-Life Examples of the Act in Action
1. Ganga and Yamuna Pollution Control
Industries along the rivers must get SPCB clearance, and many polluting units have been shut down for violating the Act.
2. Tanneries in Kanpur
Leather industries were forced to install Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) under this Act.
3. Industrial Areas (e.g., Vapi, Ankleshwar, Bhiwadi)
Polluting units were fined and restricted from operating without proper waste treatment.
4. Housing Colonies
Large residential societies must treat their sewage before releasing it into drains.
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6. Importance of the Act
Protects water resources
Improves public health
Encourages sustainable industrial growth
Controls diseases caused by polluted water
Helps maintain aquatic ecosystems
Strengthens environmental governance
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7. Conclusion
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is a powerful environmental law that ensures industries and individuals use water responsibly.
It balances economic development with environmental protection by regulating and controlling water pollution through strict rules, monitoring, and penalties.
