Functions:Central and State Boards

Both the Central and State Pollution Boards have been established for prevention and control of air pollution.

Central Board to exercise the powers and perform the functions of a State Board in the Union territories.

No State Board shall be constituted for a Union territory and in relation to -a Union territory; the Central Board shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of a State Board under this Act for that Union territory

Provided that in relation to any Union territory the Central Board may delegate all or any of its powers and functions under this section to such person or body of persons as the Central Government may specify.

Power And Functions Of Central Board

1. The main functions of the Central Board shall be to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

2. It may:

   1. advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   2. plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   3. co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them;

   4. provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   5. perform such of the function of any State Board as may, be specified in and order made under sub-section (2) of section 18;

   6. plan and organise the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify;

   7. organise through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution; (

   8. collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to air pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention, control or abatement and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   9. lay down standards for the quality of air,

   10. collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to air pollution;

   11. perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

3. The Central Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Central Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently.

Functions Of State Boards

1. The functions of a State Board shall be-

   1. to plan a comprehensive programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution and to secure the execution thereof

   2. to advise the State Government on any matter concerning the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution

   3. to collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution;

   4. to collaborate with the Central Board in organising the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution and to organise mass-education programme relating thereto;

   5. to inspect, at all reasonable times, any control equipment, industrial plant or manufacturing process and to give, by order, such directions to such persons as it may consider necessary to take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   6. to inspect air pollution control areas at such intervals as it may think necessary, assess the quality of air therein and take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in such areas;

   7. to lay down, in consultation with the Central Board and having regard to the standards for the quality of air laid down by the Central Board, standards for emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from industrial plants and automobiles or for the discharge of any air pollutant into the atmosphere from any other source whatsoever not being a ship or an aircraft: Provided that different standards for emission may be laid down under this clause for different industrial plants having regard to the quantity and composition of emission of air pollutants into the atmosphere from such industrial plants;

   8. to advise the State Government with respect to the suitability of any premises or location for carrying on any industry, which is likely to cause, air pollution;

   9. to Perform such other functions as may be prescribed or as may, from time to time, be entrusted to it by the Central Board or the State Government;

   10. to do such other things and to perform such other acts as it may think necessary for the proper discharge of its functions and generally for the purpose of carrying into effect the purposes of this Act.

All Polluting Industries Come Within The Purview Of Act

The Karnataka High Court has held that there is no provision under which the parliament has been vested with any discretion with the State Pollution Control Board to grant exemption to any particular industrial plant or class of plants from the provisions of the Act. The functions assigned to the State Board are meant for taking such steps as may further the objects of the Act in effectively controlling air pollution caused by the industries. It does not empower the State Board to keep any industrial plant out of the purview of the Air Act if it causes air pollution.