Air prevention and control of pollution act,1981

Air act was enacted on 29^th march,1981 and aimed at the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution by creating central and state boards.

Function of central board:

1.      To provide guidance and technical assistance to state boards and the industries.

2.      To advice central and state governments about improved methods to check air pollution.

3.      To provide training to the persons.

4.      To setup laboratries to check all kinds of samples.

5.      To educate peple with the assistance of mass media.

6.      Section 17 of act authorises them to check wether or not the industry is strictly following the proper norms about the discharge of air pollutants.

7.      Section 20 of the act ensures emission standards from the automobiles.

8.      Section 21 and 22 of the act describes the penalities for the deafaulters.

FUNCTION OF THE STATE BOARD

1.      To advice state government to combat with the problems of air pollution.

2.      To collect information regarding causes, prevention and control of air pollution.

3.      To lay down standards for air quality.

4.      To inspect air quality periodically.

5.      As per this act both central and state boards have been given certain powers to meet  the concequences due to air pollution. These  are:

1.      to declare any area as “ air pollution control area” under the section 19 of the act.

2.      Before setting up any unit every industrial establishment has to take clearance from the board.

3.      The board has got power to stop industrial operationin air pollution control areas.

4.      The board collects the samples of air or emission.

5.      The board has got power to cancel the consent given to industry at any time.

6.      The board officials have got power to go to any industry at any time to check compliance with requirement of act.

7.      The board has got power to prosecute any defaulters.

8.      Section 31 of the act provides provision for appeals to any appellate authority.

An industrial unit can can  appeal to appellateauthority against the decision of state board  for relief.

Air act was amended in 1987 to:

·         Remove difficulties faced during implementation;

·         Provide more powers;

·         Impose more stringent penalities;

·         NOISE WAS ALSO INCLUDED AS AIR POLLUTANT.