Central Pollution Control Board
Also called: CPCB · Topic: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory body formed in 1974 under the Water Act. It also carries out functions under the Air Act 1981. It sets pollution standards, monitors the quality of air and water, and coordinates the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), which do the same work inside each state. It is India's main technical regulator for pollution.
Example
The CPCB monitors air quality under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP, 2019). The Jan Vishwas Act 2023 and the Water Amendment Act 2024 decriminalised minor offences under its laws. This means small breaches now lead to penalties instead of criminal cases.
Don't confuse with
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): a tribunal that decides environmental cases, the way a court does. The CPCB sets standards and monitors pollution. It does not judge disputes.
Related concepts
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Central Consumer Protection Authority
- National Medical Commission
- University Grants Commission
- Bar Council of India
- National Disaster Management Authority