THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT – 1981

It came into force from 15/05/1981. Since this Act came much later than the Water Act, most of the sections are similar to the Water Act-1974. The Central and State Boards for Water pollution control were also assigned the function of Air pollution control and by amendment made in 1987; these Boards were redesignated as Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board.

The objective of the Air Act is to prevent, control and reduce air pollution including noise pollution and to establish Boards at the States/UTs for this. Under the provisions of this Act, no person shall establish or operate any industrial plant without the consent of the SPCB/PCC.

For obtaining consent to establish an industry, the investor has to apply to the SPCB/PCC in the prescribed form accompanied by the prescribed fees. The Board is required to grant consent within 4 months of receipt of the application. The consent would contain conditions relating to specifications of pollution control equipment to be installed. Other provisions of the Act are similar to those of the Water Act, 1974.