Understanding the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

The question asks us to identify which of the given options is not a function of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB is a statutory organisation in India, constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Key Functions of the CPCB

The CPCB performs various functions related to environmental pollution control. Some of its important functions include:

• Promoting cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the states.
• Improving the quality of air and preventing, controlling, or abating air pollution in the country.
• Advising the Central Government on any matter concerning the prevention and control of water and air pollution.
• Coordinating the activities of the State Pollution Control Boards and resolving disputes among them.
• Providing technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards.
• Planning and organising training of persons engaged in pollution control programmes.
• Organising comprehensive programmes on the prevention, control, or abatement of water and air pollution through mass media.
• Collecting, compiling, and publishing technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution and the measures devised for their effective prevention, control, or abatement.
• Laying down standards for the quality of water and air.
• Preparing manuals, codes, and guidelines relating to the prevention, control, or abatement of water and air pollution.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option based on the known functions of the CPCB:

Option 1: To collect data relating to water pollution.

• Collecting, compiling, and publishing data relating to water and air pollution is a specific and important function of the CPCB under the relevant Acts. This helps in monitoring pollution levels and devising control measures.
• This option describes a valid function of the CPCB.

Option 2: To lay down standards for sewage and emissions.

• The CPCB is empowered to lay down standards for the quality of water and air, as well as standards for discharge of sewage and industrial effluents and for emissions from various sources. This is crucial for setting regulatory benchmarks.
• This option describes a valid function of the CPCB.

Option 3: To organise cleanliness drives to clean water and land.

• While pollution control ultimately aims at cleaner water and land, the primary role of CPCB is regulatory, monitoring, standard-setting, and advisory. Organising and executing physical cleanliness drives to remove waste from water bodies or land is typically a task for local municipal bodies, state governments, or specific ministries responsible for sanitation and water resources, sometimes in collaboration with other agencies or NGOs.
• This option does not align with the core regulatory and technical functions of the CPCB.

Option 4: To organise comprehensive mass awareness programmes against pollution.

• Organising programmes through mass media on the prevention, control, or abatement of water and air pollution is explicitly listed as a function of the CPCB. Raising public awareness is an important part of environmental management.
• This option describes a valid function of the CPCB.

Conclusion

Based on the functions defined for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the environmental laws, the activity of organising physical cleanliness drives to clean water and land is not a primary or direct function. The CPCB's role is more focused on policy, standards, monitoring, data collection, and technical guidance.

Therefore, the activity that is not a function of the CPCB is to organise cleanliness drives to clean water and land.

Revision Table: CPCB Functions

Additional Information: Environmental Protection in India

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) plays a vital role in the environmental regulatory framework in India. It works together with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to implement the provisions of environmental acts. While CPCB sets national standards and policies, SPCBs implement them at the state level and monitor compliance within their jurisdiction.

The primary legislations governing CPCB's work are:

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

CPCB also advises the Central Government on issues related to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Environmental cleanliness and waste management involve multiple agencies. Municipal corporations and local bodies are primarily responsible for solid waste management, sanitation, and often play a key role in local cleanliness initiatives. Various government schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan involve widespread cleanliness drives, often executed at the local level with coordination from different ministries, not solely CPCB.