India's Air Pollution Control Act of 1981: CPCB Mandate

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, often referred to simply as the Air Act, is a landmark law passed by the Parliament of India. Its primary objective is to prevent, control, and mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution across the nation. This legislation is recognized as the first concrete step taken by the Government of India specifically to combat the growing threat of air pollution.

Rationale for the Air Act, 1981

The detrimental effects of climate change caused by various forms of pollution became increasingly apparent in the early 1970s. To mitigate these harmful effects, it was widely believed that individual nations needed to enact specific domestic laws.

Consequently, during the United Nations General Assembly on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm in June 1972, a resolution was passed which implored the nations of the world to preserve vital natural resources, including air.

India faced significant air pollution challenges due to a wide variety of factors, such as *stubble burning*, improper industrial practices, and environmental issues. To effectively combat these factors, the **Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981** was enacted under the Constitution of India.

Key Definitions Under the Air Act

The following are the essential definitions provided within the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act:

• Air Pollutant (Section 2(a))

  An 'Air Pollutant' is defined as any solid, liquid, or gaseous substance which may cause harm or damage to the environment, humans, plants, animals, or property. A significant 1987 amendment to the Act also added noise to the list of harmful substances.

• Air Pollution

  The Act defines 'Air Pollution' as the presence of any dangerous pollutant that renders the air unbreathable or harmful.

Establishment of Control Boards

Section 2(g) of the Act was crucial in establishing the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), whose powers extend throughout the whole of India. To effectively carry out the directives and mandates of the CPCB, the Act also called for the setting up of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for individual states within India.

Functions and Key Features of the Air Act, 1981

The key features and functions mandated by the Act include:

• Advising the Central Government on issues related to air quality and air pollution control.
• Conducting research regarding the causes and impact of air pollution.
• Spreading public awareness campaigns aimed at mitigating air pollution.
• Establishing Central and State Boards (CPCB and SPCB) and empowering them to monitor air quality and enforce pollution control measures.