Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
16. Functions of Central Board.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the
main function of the Central Board shall be to promote cleanliness of streams
and wells in different areas of the States.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing
function, the Central Board may perform all or any of the following functions,
namely :-
(a) advice the Central
Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water
pollution;
(b) co-ordinate the
activities of the State Boards and resolve disputes among them;
(c) provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out
and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of water pollution
and prevention, control or abatement of water pollution;
(d) plan and organize
the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the
prevention, control or abatement of water pollution on such terms and
conditions as the Central Board may specify;
(e) organize through
mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention and control of
water pollution;
(ee) perform such of
the functions of any State Boards as may be specified in an order made under
sub-section (2) of section 18;
(f) collect, compile
and publish technical and statistical data relating to water pollution and the
measures devised for its effective prevention and control and prepare manuals,
codes or guides relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade
effluents and disseminate information connected therewith;
(g) lay down, modify
or annual, in consultation with the State Government concerned, the standards
for a stream or well :
Provided that different
standards may be laid down for the same stream or well or for different streams
or wells, having regard to the quality of water, flow characteristics of the
stream or well and the nature of the use of the water in such stream or well or
streams or wells;
(h) plan and cause to
be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of
water pollution;
(i) perform such other
functions as may be prescribed.
(3) The Board may establish or recognize a
laboratory or laboratories to enable the Board to perform its functions under
this section efficiently, including the analysis of samples of water from any
stream or well or of samples of any sewage or trade effluents.