Prevention and control of air pollution: Legislative and administrative frame work in India

Abstract

Air pollution has become a matter of serious concern in many parts of the world. India is no exception and facing critical air pollution problems, particularly in its urban areas. The problems as well as solutions are complex due to presence of variety of sources and pollutants. Realizing the gravity of the problems, the Government of India has formulated an exhaustive frame work for prevention and control of air pollution. The present paper focuses the strategies along with statutory regulations, administrative structure and various steps, initiated/taken by various Government Agencies for protection of environment in India. The paper also deals with some of the pollution control programmes, being implemented for reduction in the level of air pollution. The Ministry of Environment & Forests and Central Pollution Control Board at national level and Department of Environment & State Pollution Control Boards at State level have been established, which work in collaboration for protection of environment. The mandates and administrative controls of these agencies are well defined and a strong linkage does exist among Central & State Government agencies. With regard to the strategies evolved for prevention & control of air pollution, the approach involves (i) tackling of the pollutants; (ii) controlling the pollution at source; and (iii) tackling of the polluted areas. For implementing the above strategies, a number of legislation has been enacted. Besides this, various pollution prevention & control programmes are being implemented. The efforts made by Government Agencies with public participation have started paying dividends in terms of checking the air pollution levels.