Government of India enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 to maintain wholesomeness of aquatic resources. The act prescribes various functions for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at the apex level and State Pollution Control Boards at the state level. The main functions of the Central Pollution Control Board are as follows:
To advise the Central Government on any matter concerning restoration and maintaining the wholesomeness of aquatic resources and the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.
To plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.
To provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Pollution Control Board.
To carry out and sponsor investigations and research related to prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.
To collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data related to water pollution; and
To lay down and annul standards for the quality of water in streams and wells.
The main functions of the State Pollution Control Boards are as follows:
To plan a comprehensive programme for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution and to secure the execution thereof;
To advise the State Government on any matter concerning prevention, control and abatement of water pollution.
To collect and disseminate information related to water pollution.
To collaborate with Central Pollution Control Board in programme related to prevention, control and abatement of water pollution; and
To inspect air pollution control areas, assess quality of water and to take steps for prevention, control and abatement of water pollution in such areas.
To perform the above functions, CPCB needs continuous monitoring of water quality in the country. Keeping this fact in mind, CPCB has established a network of water quality monitoring. The water quality monitoring is performed with following main objectives in mind:
For rational planning of pollution control strategies and their prioritisation;
To assess nature and extent of pollution control needed in different water bodies or their part;
To evaluate effectiveness of pollution control measures already is existence;
To evaluate water quality trend over a period of time;
To assess assimilative capacity of a water body thereby reducing cost on pollution control;
To understand the environmental fate of different pollutants.
To assess the fitness of water for different uses.
