Pollution Control Boards
In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz. water and air pollution, the government set up the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1974. This was followed by states establishing their own state-level boards to address all the environmental concerns. They investigate, collect, and disseminate information relating to water, air, and land pollution, lay down standards for sewage/trade effluent and emissions. These boards provide technical assistance to governments in promoting cleanliness of streams and wells by prevention, control, and abatement of water pollution, and improve the quality of air to prevent, control, or abate air pollution in the country.

These boards also carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution and for their prevention, control, or abatement. They also organize, through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness program for the same. The PCBs prepare manuals, codes, and guidelines relating to the treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents.

They assess the air quality through the regulation of industries. In fact, state boards, through their district-level officials, periodically inspect every industry under their jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of treatment measures provided to treat the effluent and gaseous emissions. It also provides background air quality data needed for industrial siting and town planning.

The pollution control boards collect, collate, and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution. They monitor the quality of water in 125 rivers (including the tributaries), wells, lakes, creeks, ponds, tanks, drains, and canals.