Since its inception in 1974, the Central Pollution Control Board is committed to pollution control. We started with monitoring of ambient air and surface water. Over the years, the monitoring network has been strengthened. The Board initiated R & D efforts, standards formulations and after established itself as a technical advisory body in adition to being a regulatory agency. Over the years, we have contributed a lot towards Preventive, Promotional and Mitigative (PPM) measures for pollution control.

The protection of environment calls for a multi-disciplinary approach investing various areas of science, engineering and technology. Based on monitoring in different parts of the country, we are continuously gathering and disseminating scientific and technical information as well as status and trends in environmental quality. For capacity building of State Pollution Control Boards, training programmes are regularly organised and support is provided for strengthening laboratories and infrastructural facilities. To catalyse partnerships among the stakeholders, we are continuously interacting with the student communities, NGOs, industry and civic authorities.

We have made an attempt to highlight some of our activities during the year 2004 in this special issue of Parivesh. We seek your support in our endeavour for a better and pollution-free environment. I am thankful to Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary and Dr. C.S. Sharma, Sr. Scientist of CPCB who have put in a lot of efforts to bring out the Highlights.

March, 2005