Maharashtra State Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
Establishment and Authority:
- Established under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.
Functions and Responsibilities:
Water Pollution Control:
- Issue and renew consents to industries and municipalities for wastewater discharge.
- Monitor and enforce effluent discharge standards.
- Control and prevent pollution of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Air Pollution Control:
- Issue and renew consents to industries and other sources for air emissions.
- Monitor and enforce ambient air quality standards.
- Promote and implement measures to reduce air pollution, such as emission control technologies and fuel quality standards.
Hazardous Waste Management:
- Authorize facilities for generation, storage, treatment, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste.
- Enforce regulations and guidelines for hazardous waste management to prevent environmental contamination.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment:
- Conduct ambient air and water quality monitoring.
- Establish and maintain a database of environmental data.
- Prepare and publish State of Environment Reports.
Enforcement and Compliance:
- Conduct inspections and audits to ensure compliance with pollution control regulations.
- Issue notices, fines, and penalties for violations of environmental laws.
- Collaborate with legal authorities in case of serious offenses.
Other Functions:
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to industries and individuals on pollution control measures.
- Promote public awareness and education on environmental issues.
- Conduct research and development activities related to pollution control.
Working Mechanism:
Board of Directors:
- Governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Government of Maharashtra.
- The Board consists of members from various stakeholder groups, including industry, government, academia, and environmentalists.
Regional and Zonal Offices:
- MPCB has regional offices in major cities of Maharashtra (e.g., Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and zonal offices in smaller towns.
- These offices carry out the Board's functions and responsibilities at the local level.
Technical and Scientific Staff:
- MPCB employs a team of technical and scientific staff who conduct monitoring, inspections, and prepare technical reports.
Online Services:
- MPCB provides online services for consent applications, monitoring data submissions, and public grievance redressal.