Who Controls River Pollution?

Answer:

River pollution control is usually a shared responsibility of several authorities. The State Pollution Control Board plays a key role in monitoring pollution, inspecting industries, issuing consents, collecting samples, and taking action against polluting units. CPCB provides technical guidance, monitoring support, and national-level pollution control coordination. Local bodies such as Municipal Corporations, Nagar Palikas and Gram Panchayats handle sewage, solid waste, drains and local sanitation. District Magistrates coordinate local enforcement and can direct departments to act.

Other authorities may also be responsible depending on the case. Jal Board or Jal Nigam may be involved where sewage networks, STPs or water infrastructure are concerned. Irrigation Department may be relevant for river channels, embankments and flow issues. Mining Department and Police may be necessary in illegal sand mining cases. Forest Department may be involved where river ecology or protected areas are affected. NMCG can be added in Ganga river matters.

CPCB’s principal functions include promotion of cleanliness of streams and wells by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and improvement of air quality by prevention and control of air pollution.

In an NGT case, the correct approach is to add the authority that had the duty to prevent, regulate, inspect, monitor or enforce. You should also add the private polluter or violator whose activity caused the river pollution.