Consider the following statements about the Water (P&CP) Act, 1974:

Question

Consider the following statements about the Water (P&CP) Act, 1974:

I. CPCB and SPCBs have powers to set water quality and effluent standards under the Act.

II. The Act does not deal with groundwater at all.

III. Monitoring of river-quality and industrial effluents is a key function of the Boards under this Act.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. I and III only (Correct answer)
2. B. I and II only
3. C. II and III only
4. D. I, II and III

Correct Answer

Option A — I and III only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is I and III only.

Key Points

• Statement I is correct. The CPCB and SPCBs are empowered under the Water Act, 1974 to lay down water-quality and effluent standards.
• Statement II is incorrect, and it is the error. The Act does deal with groundwater. Its definition of "stream" expressly includes subterranean waters, so contamination of groundwater falls within its reach.
• Statement III is correct. Monitoring river quality and industrial effluent is a core function of the Boards under the Act.

Additional Information

• The definition of "stream" is deliberately wide, covering rivers, watercourses (whether flowing or dry), inland water (natural or artificial), subterranean waters, and sea or tidal waters to the extent prescribed. Absolute statements about what the Act excludes are almost always false.
• Section 24 contains the Act's central prohibition — no person may knowingly permit any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter a stream or well, or impede its flow in a way that aggravates pollution.
• The Boards' operational instrument is the consent mechanism under Section 25, requiring prior consent to establish or operate any outlet discharging sewage or trade effluent.
• The CPCB runs the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme across river, lake and groundwater stations, which is how compliance with ambient standards is actually tracked.