Question

In order to address two major environmental concerns in India, viz. water and air pollution, the government set up the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 1974. This was followed by states establishing their own state-level boards to address all the environmental concerns. They investigate, collect and disseminate information relating to water, air and land pollution, lay down standards for sewage/trade effluent and emissions. These boards provide technical assistance to governments in promoting cleanliness of streams and wells by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country. These boards also carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution and for their prevention, control or abatement. They organise, through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme for the same. The PCBs prepare manuals, codes and guidelines relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents. They assess the air quality through regulation of industries. In fact, state boards, through their district-level officials, periodically inspect every industry under their jurisdiction to assess the adequacy of treatment measures provided to treat the effluent and gaseous emissions. It also provides background air quality data needed for industrial siting and town planning. The pollution control boards collect, collate and disseminate technical and statistical data relating to water pollution. They monitor the quality of water in 125 rivers (including the tributaries), wells, lakes, creeks, ponds, tanks, drains and canals.

1. Visit a nearby factory/irrigation department and collect the details of measures that they adopt to control water and air pollution.
2. You might be seeing advertisements in newspapers, radio and television or billboards in your locality on awareness programmes relating to water and air pollution. Collect a few news clippings, pamphlets and other information and discuss them in the classroom.

Answer 1

1. The following measures are generally adopted to control water and air pollution:
   1. For water pollution:
      • Treatment of wastewater before discharge.
      • Use of effluent treatment plants.
      • Proper disposal of chemicals and industrial waste.
      • Recycling and reuse of water.
      • Regular checking of water quality.
   2. For air pollution:
      • Use of filters and pollution-control devices in chimneys.
      • Regular maintenance of machines and vehicles.
      • Use of cleaner fuels.
      • Plantation of trees around the premises.
      • Monitoring of smoke and harmful gas emissions.
2. I collected information from newspapers, television, radio and public awareness campaigns related to water and air pollution. Common messages in such campaigns include:
   1. Save Water, Save Life
   2. Do not throw garbage into rivers and lakes.
   3. Reduce the use of plastic.
   4. Use public transport to reduce air pollution.
   5. Avoid burning waste and crop residue.
   6. Plant more trees.
   7. Conserve water and prevent wastage.
   8. Keep vehicles properly maintained to reduce smoke.
      Awareness programmes encourage people to take responsibility for controlling pollution. Public participation, along with government action, is necessary to protect air and water resources.