The Water Act 1974 is a major step in the fight towards prevention and control of water pollution across the country. Learning about the same is always desirable if you are passionate about the cause and wish to set a better example for future generations to come.
The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or simply the water act 1974 as it is more commonly referred to, is an extensive law that seeks to regulate all those agencies that have responsibility for checking pollution levels of water along with defining the jurisdictions for pollution control boards across both State and Central levels. The Indian Parliament passed this act with an aim towards preventing and lowering water pollution levels in the country.
The water act was implemented in the year 1974 and remains applicable for the Indian States of Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Tripura, Kerala, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Union Territories. This can also be adopted by any other Indian State by the passage of a resolution declaring its intentions to adhere to the same.
Water Act 1974- Central Board Functionality
- Offer advice and insights to the Union Government on any aspect related to controlling/preventing water pollution.
- Coordination of State Board activities and dispute resolution.
- Technical guidance/assistance for State Boards, sponsoring and executing investigations and research activity linked to water pollution.
- Organization and planning of training of individuals to be deployed/deployed for abatement/prevention/control of water pollution.
- Organizing extensive programs/campaigns across mass media.
Water Act- State Board Functionality
- Planning extensive programs for abatement/control/prevention of water pollution across wells, streams, and other water bodies.
- Collection and dissemination of vital information linked to water pollution.
- Encouraging, holding, and taking part in research and investigation linked to water pollution issues.
- Inspection right for trade effluents, sewage, plants, and works for sewage treatment and reviews of plants for water purification.
- Establishment/recognition of laboratories for enabling better performance of tasks such as sample analysis.
- Section 25 states that State Board approval is required for establishing any plant/process/industry which may discharge trade effluent/sewage into a water body or on land.
- Maintenance of register with conditions imposed under Section 25/particulars in this regard.
Some other vital aspects linked to the water act 1974
Section 32 of the act talks about the powers of the State Board for deploying emergency initiatives about pollution in any well/stream. The State Board may issue its orders for removal of matter which leads to pollution or mitigate/solve the issue or have prohibitive orders issued for concerned organizations/persons responsible for the discharge of any polluting matter. Section 24 and 43 deal with prohibition on the usage of well/stream for disposing of polluted material and penalties for non-adherence likewise.
No individual should knowingly allow/cause disposal or polluting/noxious/poisonous matter into any stream, sewer, or even on land as per these sections. Not adhering to these regulations means liability for imprisonment under Sections 43 and 24 up to at least 1 year or between 6 months to 6 years with financial penalties as well. The water act 1974 also stipulates that no individual shall allow/cause entry of any other matter which may lead to obstructed water flow and subsequent pollution.
Water Act Basics that everyone should know
Section 42 clearly states that fines and penalties for various activities will be imprisonment for a term up to 3 months or fines up to Rs. 10,000 or even both. This will apply to activities including pulling down necessary pillars, obstruction of individuals working for State Boards, damaging any property/works of the Board and not furnishing information that is required. Drinking water at the source without regular treatment but post disinfection will be held as Class A while Class B will cover water for outdoor bathing. Drinking water sources that have been conventionally treated, will come under Class C while Class D refers to water that has been used for the propagation of fisheries and wildlife. Water that is used for industrial cooling and irrigation will be under Class E in tandem with waste disposal as per the water act 1974.
Section 19 of the Act gives powers to the State Boards for restricting territorial jurisdictions for orders passed about limiting/controlling water pollution. State boards will determine the areas which are polluted as well. Section 20 states that boards may also inspect any land, undertake surveys or other activities for controlling or preventing pollution of water bodies. It may also ask for information linked to the installation, construction, and operation of establishments from any industry or company. Section 21 gives powers to the board or any individual employee on its behalf, to analyze wells/streams for controlling/preventing water pollution.
Summing up key water act 1974 points
Along with the above mentioned information, the water act basically covers a few key points which are given below:
- Pollution control boards have been created for implementing the provisions contained in the act.
- The act is designed to control and prevent water pollution in the country.
- The restoration and maintenance of wholesomeness is a major provision about India’s aquatic resources.
- Polluting matter or sewage cannot be discharged into any water body which includes lakes. The state board should stop such activities under the provisions of the act.
- Any individual or organization not adhering to the rules may have liability for being imprisoned under Sections 43 and 24 up to a minimum period of 1 year or 6 months to 6 years. Monetary charges/penalties will also apply.
Having proper knowledge of the water act 1974 is highly essential for companies, industries, real estate organizations/developers, and the general public at large. We should all strive to safeguard our aquatic resources without compromising on infrastructural progress at the same time.
