About:

• CPCB is a statutory organisation which was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• It is under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Principal functions of the CPCB, as given out in the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 are
  •  to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and
  •  to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

Other important functions:

• Advise the Central Government on matters relating to pollution;
• Coordinate the activities of the State Boards;
• Provide Technical assistance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to control of pollution;
• Plan and organize training of personnel;
• Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data, prepare manuals and code of conduct.
• To lay down standards;
• To plan a nationwide programme for pollution control.

Why in News?

Union Ministry of Jal Shakti requested the Central Pollution Control Board to strengthen the pollution monitoring system in Ganga and its major tributaries .