28 Oct Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)”. This topic has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
For Mains:
GS 3: Environment
Key Functions of CPCB?
Why in the news?
The state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) have been penalized by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for failing to install pollution control equipment at their petrol stations. In the respective stock exchange filings, IOC faces a fine of Rs 1 crore, while BPCL incurs a penalty of Rs 2 crore.
About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a legally established organization, founded in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Additionally, the CPCB was also entrusted with powers and responsibilities under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Key Functions:
- Policy Advice: CPCB plays a crucial role in advising the Central Government on matters concerning the prevention and control of water and air pollution, with the overarching aim of enhancing air quality.
- National Programs: The CPCB designs and oversees the implementation of nationwide programs aimed at preventing, controlling, or reducing water and air pollution.
- State Board Coordination: It serves as a coordinating body for the activities of State Pollution Control Boards and resolves disputes between them.
- Technical Guidance: The CPCB provides technical guidance and assistance to State Boards, conducts and sponsors research and investigations related to water and air pollution, and strategies for their mitigation.
- Public Awareness: The CPCB conducts comprehensive mass awareness programs through mass media to educate and engage the public in efforts to combat water and air pollution.
- Data Collection and Dissemination: The organization collects, compiles, and publishes technical and statistical data related to water and air pollution and effective prevention and control measures. It also creates manuals, codes, and guidelines for sewage and effluent treatment and air quality improvement.
- Environmental Standards: In consultation with concerned State Governments, the CPCB establishes, modifies, or abolishes standards for water and air quality.
- Prescribed Functions: The CPCB carries out any other functions as prescribed by the Government of India in the context of environmental protection and pollution control.
Powers of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Directive Authority: Under Section 18 of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, the CPCB has the power to issue directives to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). If any of these directives are not adhered to, the CPCB has the authority to assume the responsibilities of a State Pollution Control Board.
- Regulatory Control: According to Section 33A of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, the CPCB is empowered to issue directives that may restrict, close, or regulate specific activities, businesses, or processes. It can also regulate the supply of power, freshwater, or other services, if necessary to control pollution.
Vapor Recovery System:
A vapor recovery system is designed to eliminate harmful vapor and liquid contaminants from crude products, enhancing their purity and preventing the release of toxic pollutants into the environment. This process is particularly important in industries dealing with chemical processing, as it helps recover unwanted vapors from storage units, ensuring the safety and purity of chemicals for further use and transportation.
Components of a Typical Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU):
- Gas Compressor: The VRU features a gas compressor responsible for compressing and recovering the vapor-laden air or gases from the storage units.
- Scrubber: A scrubber is employed to clean and remove impurities from the recovered vapor, improving its quality and environmental safety.
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): VFDs are utilized to control and adjust the speed of the gas compressor, optimizing the efficiency of the vapor recovery process.
- Switching Device: This component helps in controlling the start-up and shutdown of the VRU and its associated equipment, ensuring safe and effective vapor recovery.
Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 28th Oct 2023
Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding:
- CPCB was established as a statutory body under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- CPCB has the responsibility to address both water and air pollution under the respective Acts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.2 Pollution is a pressing global concern, with far-reaching impacts on public health and the environment. Discuss the role of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India as a regulatory authority in mitigating pollution.
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