(i) Write in detail about the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. (ii) What are the issues involved in the enforcement of environmental legislation and law ?
In short
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 created CPCB and SPCBs and made prior consent mandatory for effluent discharge, and its 2024 amendment replaced jail with fines for minor violations. Environmental law enforcement suffers from weak monitoring, rare prosecutions, politically shielded non-compliance and understaffed boards.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 247 words
Pollution Control Boards Established
The Act created the Central Pollution Control Board1 (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to set standards and enforce water pollution control.
Consent Mechanism for Industries
Prior consent from SPCBs is mandatory for industries before establishment and operation to ensure compliance.
2024 Amendment Rationalises Penalties
Minor violations are decriminalised, replacing imprisonment with fines, and the Centre can exempt certain industries from prior consent, streamlining approvals but risking regulatory dilution.
Limited Legal Action
Few prosecutions under the Act indicate institutional capacity constraints and enforcement inertia.
State-Level Variability
Andhra Pradesh faces infrastructure deficits in waste treatment and landfill operations, as per the 2022 CAG report on urban local bodies, impeding pollution control.
Enhancing SPCB Capacities
Improving technical and financial resources of SPCBs, including in Andhra Pradesh, is vital for effective enforcement.
Leveraging Technology
The National Hydrology Project4’s real-time sensors and open data platforms can improve pollution tracking and accountability.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2008 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.