Environmental protection in India is governed by two landmark legislations — the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Together, they form the backbone of India’s environmental regulatory framework, empowering the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to monitor, enforce, and promote compliance among industries.
At Simplicomp Tech LLP, we assist industries, infrastructure projects, and developers in achieving full environmental compliance — from Pollution Control Board NOC to EIA, CCA, and groundwater approvals across North India.
⚡ Quick Summary Table – CPCB vs SPCB
| Aspect | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) | State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | National level – formulates standards and coordinates SPCBs | State level – implements and enforces CPCB directions |
| Main Functions | Data collection, policy formulation, training, coordination | Consent management (CTE/CTO), inspections, authorisations |
| Key Powers | Can direct SPCBs; can take over their duties during failure | Can inspect, sample, approve, revoke or suspend NOCs |
| NOC Role | Sets national guidelines for CTE/CTO | Issues Pollution Control Board NOCs to industries |
| Other Responsibilities | Research, awareness, national programs | Enforcement of solid, biomedical, and hazardous waste rules |
🌿 Introduction
India’s industrial growth relies heavily on environmental compliance. The Air and Water Acts were introduced to ensure industries operate within safe pollution limits. These Acts empower regulatory authorities to monitor emissions, wastewater discharge, and enforce corrective actions.
Today, environmental compliance consultants in Noida like Simplicomp bridge the gap between industries and Pollution Control Boards — ensuring that companies obtain the necessary CTE, CTO, and CCA approvals for lawful operations.
⚙️ Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
The CPCB acts as the apex body for pollution prevention and environmental management at the national level.
Key Functions under the Water and Air Acts
Coordination: Harmonize SPCB activities across India to ensure uniform pollution control standards.
Advisory Role: Advise the Central Government on environmental policy matters.
Training & Research: Conduct technical training for SPCB engineers and promote STP/ETP operation and maintenance programs.
Data Collection: Gather and publish statistical data on air and water pollution.
Formulation of Standards: Develop and notify water quality and air emission standards.
Environmental Awareness: Conduct national-level mass awareness campaigns and environmental workshops.
Technical Support: Guide industries on technologies like STP/ETP troubleshooting and inspection and Water treatment system audits.
Through these initiatives, CPCB ensures that every industry — from pharmaceuticals to infrastructure — operates within environmental limits and maintains proper pollution control certificates.
🏢 Functions of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
Each State Pollution Control Board works under the CPCB’s guidance and enforces environmental regulations within its jurisdiction.
Core Responsibilities:
Issuing CTE and CTO: Grant Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Water and Air Acts.
Consolidated Consent & Authorisation (CCA): Approve CCA pollution NOC in India for units handling hazardous waste.
Monitoring & Inspection: Perform periodic ETP consent renewal process and site audits.
Legal Enforcement: Initiate action against industries violating environmental norms.
Capacity Building: Conduct training and awareness on pollution control techniques and compliance reporting.
SPCBs also handle authorisations under the Solid Waste Management Rules, Biomedical Waste Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, and Noise Pollution Regulations.
For instance, Pollution Control Board NOC in Ghaziabad and EIA & CCA NOC in Dehradun are essential for setting up manufacturing units, industrial estates, and infrastructure projects.
⚖️ Detailed Powers of CPCB
The CPCB derives its authority from Section 18 of the Water Act, 1974, which enables it to guide and control SPCBs.
Under Section 18:
The CPCB can issue written directions to SPCBs for the performance of their duties.
If an SPCB fails to perform, the CPCB can assume its responsibilities for a specific period.
CPCB coordinates pollution control programs across states and can recommend legal or administrative action in case of non-compliance.
CPCB also formulates standard operating procedures for ETP/STP performance, emission monitoring, and industrial wastewater treatment compliance.
🧾 Key Powers of SPCB under the Water Act, 1974
Section 20 – Power to Obtain Information
SPCBs can collect information on wastewater generation, discharge, and pollution levels from any industry or establishment.
Section 21 – Power to Take Samples
SPCB officers can collect samples of effluent from drains, rivers, or treatment plants. These samples, if collected per procedure, are admissible as evidence in court.
Section 23 – Power of Entry and Inspection
Authorised officers can enter industrial premises to check compliance and review STP/ETP documentation. Non-compliance can lead to show-cause notices or suspension of consent.
Section 25 – Prior Consent to Establish (CTE)
Industries must obtain CTE NOC before establishing any new facility or modifying discharges. Without this, the establishment is deemed illegal.
Section 27 – Power to Cancel or Refuse CTE/CTO
If an industry fails to install adequate treatment systems, SPCB can cancel or refuse consent. Regular environmental compliance services in North India ensure such lapses are avoided.
Section 30 – Power to Execute Works
SPCB may execute compliance-related works itself and recover costs from the defaulting party.
Section 32 – Emergency Control Measures
In case of pollution incidents, SPCBs can issue immediate orders to restrict discharge and mitigate harm to the environment.
Section 33A – Power to Give Directions
SPCBs can order closure or restriction of electricity, water, or process operations in industries violating norms. This authority is often exercised during pollution control approval process failures or non-submission of monitoring data.
💡 Industrial Compliance Implications
For industries across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi NCR, these powers mean strict adherence to environmental guidelines is non-negotiable.
Non-compliance can result in:
Suspension or cancellation of Pollution Control NOC
Legal proceedings and penalties under the Water and Air Acts
Rejection of environmental clearance (EIA/EMP) applications
Delays in CTE/CTO renewals or CCA documentation
By engaging a trusted industrial NOC consultant in Uttar Pradesh like Simplicomp, industries can ensure timely approvals, compliance audits, and zero regulatory setbacks.
🧩 STP/ETP and Environmental Consent Integration
Environmental consents go hand-in-hand with proper wastewater management.
Every industry is expected to install, maintain, and periodically service their STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) and ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant).
Simplicomp offers end-to-end support in:
ETP operation and maintenance AMC contracts
STP/ETP troubleshooting and inspection
Water treatment system audits and effluent quality reporting
These ensure that treated water meets prescribed discharge standards and maintain eligibility for CTO renewal and pollution control authorisations.
🏗️ Use Case: Regional Industry Examples
Noida & Greater Noida
Manufacturing units and tech parks must obtain Groundwater NOC in Greater Noida and Pollution Control Board approvals before construction. Simplicomp acts as a CGWA and UPGWD consultant, assisting with water audits and borewell compliance.
Dehradun & Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
Industries need EIA and CCA NOC in Dehradun before operationalisation. We help clients prepare environmental impact assessments and manage authorisations under SPCB consolidated consent.
Gurugram & Faridabad (Haryana)
Our team works with industries requiring HSPCB NOC and EIA support. As an experienced EIA NOC and HSPCB consultant in Haryana, we handle documentation, inspection, and consent renewals efficiently.
Ghaziabad & Meerut
We assist small and medium enterprises in securing Pollution Control Board NOC in Ghaziabad, ensuring legal compliance with effluent and emission norms.
⚙️ How Simplicomp Adds Value
CTE/CTO and CCA documentation for all sectors
Environmental audits and due diligence reviews
STP/ETP maintenance and AMC support
EIA and Environmental Clearance consulting
Environmental compliance consultants in Noida offering regional expertise
Assistance with the pollution control approval process and renewals
🌎 Conclusion
The Air and Water Acts form the legal foundation of India’s pollution control regime. The CPCB and SPCBs, empowered under these laws, play a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment, maintaining water quality, and enforcing pollution control standards.
Partnering with a professional environmental compliance consultant in North India like Simplicomp Tech LLP ensures your project’s regulatory journey — from Pollution NOC and ETP consent to EIA approval — is seamless, compliant, and sustainable.
FAQs on Pollution Control Board Powers and Compliance
1️⃣ Who grants the Pollution Control Board NOC?
The respective SPCB of each state, such as UPPCB, HSPCB, or UKPCB, grants NOCs under the Air and Water Acts.
2️⃣ Is Groundwater NOC separate from Pollution NOC?
Yes. Groundwater extraction requires CGWA or state-level permission—handled by experts offering Groundwater NOC services in Greater Noida and NCR regions.
3️⃣ What is the difference between CCA and CTO?
CCA consolidates air, water, and hazardous-waste permissions, while CTO focuses on operational discharge and emission control.
4️⃣ How often do I renew my environmental consents?
Typically every 3–5 years, depending on the category of your industry and state norms.
5️⃣ Can consultants handle all approvals?
Yes—specialised firms like Simplicomp Tech LLP streamline the process by integrating EIA, CCA, groundwater, and pollution NOC services for pan-India operations.
📞 Connect with us today to simplify your environmental approvals and strengthen your sustainability commitments.
