Why In The News?

Drain water overflow is contaminating the Yamuna, prompting the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to inform the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will jointly conduct quarterly monitoring to track pollution and coordinate corrective action.

1) About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

• Legal Status: The NMCG is a registered society under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prevent, control, and abate pollution in the Ganga River and ensure adequate ecological flow.
• Origin: It functioned as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 until the NGRBA was replaced by the National Ganga Council in 2016.
• Objectives:
  • Ensure pollution abatement and rejuvenation of the Ganga through a river basin approach.
  • Maintain minimum ecological flows for water quality and sustainable development.
• Structure:
  • Has a two-tier structure: a Governing Council and an Executive Committee, both headed by the Director General (DG).
  • The Executive Committee can approve projects up to ₹1000 crores.
  • State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) act as implementing arms at the state level.
  • The DG is an Additional Secretary in the Government of India.

2) About National Green Tribunal (NGT):

• Purpose: The NGT ensures efficient and expert resolution of environmental disputes and aims to resolve cases within six months.
• Independence: Operates based on principles of natural justice, not the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, enabling faster decisions.
• Jurisdiction: Began functioning in 2011 with its principal bench in New Delhi and regional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. It follows a circuit procedure for accessibility.
• Composition:
  • Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice of a High Court, appointed by the Central Government.
  • Judicial Members: 10-20 judges from the Supreme Court or High Courts.
  • Expert Members: 10-20 experts with advanced degrees in Science/Engineering/Technology and environmental experience.
• Powers & Jurisdiction:
  • Handles civil cases under major environmental laws such as the Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, Environment Protection Act 1986, Forest Conservation Act 1980, Biological Diversity Act 2002, and Public Liability Insurance Act 1991.
  • Can impose penalties, act as a Civil Court, and follow the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for certain procedures.
  • Has suo motu powers to take up environmental issues on its own.
  • Can award compensation, order remediation, and ensure time-bound disposal of cases.

3) About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

• Establishment: The CPCB is a statutory organisation created under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and later empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• Role: Acts as a technical arm of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for enforcing the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Functions:
  • Promote cleanliness of streams and wells and control water pollution.
  • Improve air quality and abate air pollution nationwide.
  • Advise the Central Government on pollution control and coordinate with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
  • Offer guidance, technical support, and help resolve conflicts among SPCBs.
• Delegated Powers: CPCB delegates its authority under the Water Act, Water Cess Act (1977), and Air Act to regional administrations in Union Territories.
• Standards & Guidelines:
  • Develops standards for ambient air quality, water quality, and industrial emissions.
  • Prepares manuals, codes, and guidelines for sewage treatment, effluent disposal, and pollution-control devices.
  • Issues Minimal National Standards (MINAS) for various industries regarding effluents, emissions, noise, and waste.

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