Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- (1)The State Government shall, with effect from such date 1 *** as it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint, constitute a 2 [State Pollution Control Board], under such name as may be specified in the notification, to exercise the powers conferred on and perform the functions assigned to that Board under this Act.
- (2)A State Board shall consist of the following members, namely:--
- (a)a 3*** chairman, being a person having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of 4[matters relating to environmental protection] or a person having knowledge and experience in administering institutions dealing with the matters aforesaid, to be nominated by the State Government 5[in such manner as may be prescribed by the central Government]:br 6[Provided that the chairman may be either whole-time or part-time as the State Government may may think fit;]
- (b)7[such number of officials, not exceeding five,] to be nominated by the State Government to represent that Government;
- (c)8[such number of persons, not exceeding five,] to be nominated by the State Government from amongst the members of the local authorities functioning within the State;
- (d)9[such number of non-officials, not exceeding three,] to be nominated by the State Government to represent the interests of agriculture, fishery or industry or trade or any other interest which, in the opinion of the State Government, ought to be represented;
- (e)two persons to represent the companies or corporations owned, controlled or managed by the State Government, to be nominated by that Government; 10 [(f) a full-time member-secretary, possessing qualifications, knowledge and experience of scientific, engineering or management aspects of pollution control, to be appointed by the State Government.]
- (3)Every State Board shall be a body corporate with the name specified by the State Government in the notification under sub-section (1), having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property and to contract, and may, by the said name, sue or be sued.
- (4)Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, no State Board shall be constituted for a Union territory and in relation to a Union territory, the Central Board shall exercise the powers and perform the functions of a State Board for that Union territory: Provided that in relation to any Union territory the Central Board may delegate all or any of its powers and functions under this sub-section to such person or body of persons as the Central Government may specify
Summary
- State Governments must create a State Pollution Control Board to manage water quality..
- The Board must include a Chairman with special knowledge or experience in environmental protection..
- Up to five officials represent the State Government on the Board..
- Up to five members are chosen from local authorities like city councils..
- Up to three members represent interests like farming, fishing, or industry..
- The Board also includes two people from state-owned companies and a full-time member-secretary..
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who decides who sits on the board under Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974?
The State Government nominates or appoints all members, including the Chairman and the member-secretary, as per the rules in Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974..
2. Can a Union Territory have its own separate board under Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974?
No, Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, says no State Board is formed for a Union Territory, so the Central Board handles those duties instead..
3. Does the board have the power to own land under Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974?
Yes, Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, establishes the Board as a body corporate, which means it can legally hold and sell property..
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, what is the maximum number of non-officials that can represent agriculture or industry?
Q2.According to Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, who performs the functions of a State Board in a Union Territory?
Q3.Under Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, what specific qualification is required for the Chairman?
Q4.Under Section 4 of The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, how many members are nominated from state-owned companies or corporations?