Air Act 1981

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 is another crucial environmental legislation in India aimed at preventing, controlling, and abating air pollution. Here are some key facts about the Act:

1. Objective: The main objective of the Act is to provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution and to establish Boards at the Central and State levels to carry out these purposes.

2. Establishment of Boards:

- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): This Board was initially set up under the Water Act but also functions under the Air Act to coordinate and implement air pollution control measures nationwide.

- State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Each state is required to establish its own SPCB to plan and execute air pollution control programs within the state.

3. Powers and Functions:

- The Boards are empowered to advise the government on air pollution control measures.

- They can set standards for emissions from industrial plants and vehicles.

- The Boards have the authority to inspect any industrial plant or manufacturing process and assess pollution control equipment.

- They can collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution.

4. Consent Mechanism: Industries must obtain consent from the SPCB to operate. This consent is necessary before the establishment or operation of any industrial plant or process that could cause air pollution.

5. Designation of Air Pollution Control Areas: The Act allows the state governments, in consultation with the SPCBs, to declare any area as an air pollution control area and prohibit the use of certain fuels or appliances.

6. Penalties: The Act prescribes penalties for non-compliance, which can include imprisonment and fines. Repeat offenses attract harsher penalties.

7. Citizen's Rights: The Act includes provisions for citizens to report violations and enables the Boards to take cognizance of complaints from the public.

8. Amendments: The Act has been amended to strengthen the regulatory framework and enhance the powers of the Boards.

9. Integration with Other Laws: The Air Act works in conjunction with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, providing a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection in India.

10. Vehicular Pollution Control: The Act specifically addresses pollution from automobiles and empowers the Boards to set emission standards and conduct inspections.

11. Public Awareness and Education: The Act emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education in controlling air pollution and encourages the involvement of local communities and NGOs.

12. Funding: The Act provides for the establishment of funds at both the central and state levels to support air pollution control measures and initiatives.

These provisions aim to curb air pollution and protect public health and the environment from the adverse effects of polluted air.

Comments

Heat balance. Water budget

The concepts of heat balance and water budget are crucial in understanding the Earth's climate and the distribution of water resources. Here's an explanation of each: 1. Heat Balance: The Earth's heat balance, also known as the Earth's energy budget, refers to the equilibrium between the incoming solar radiation (energy from the Sun) and the outgoing terrestrial radiation (heat radiated back into space). This balance determines the temperature and climate of our planet. Here's how it works: - Incoming Solar Radiation (Insolation): The Sun emits energy in the form of sunlight, including visible and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This solar energy reaches the Earth's atmosphere and surface. - Absorption and Reflection: When sunlight reaches the Earth, some of it is absorbed by the surface (land, water, vegetation), warming the Earth. Some of it is also reflected back into space by clouds, ice, and other reflective surfaces. - Outgoing Terrestrial Radiation: As the Ea

Watershed. Catchment. Basin

A watershed, also known as a river basin or drainage basin, is a fundamental concept in geohydrology and hydrology. It refers to a specific geographic area or region of land where all the surface water, including rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff, drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Here's an explanation of each term: 1. Watershed: A watershed is essentially a natural hydrological unit defined by the topography of the land. It represents the entire area from which all precipitation and surface water flow eventually gathers at a single point. This point is typically where the main river or stream within the watershed exits into a larger body of water, such as an ocean. Watersheds come in various sizes, from small ones that encompass a few square miles to enormous ones that cover entire continents. 2. River/Drainage Basin: A river basin or drainage basin is another way to describe a watershed. It's the land area that collects and channels water into a river

Water cycle. Hydrological cycle.

Water cycle. Hydrological cycle. Usgs

What is Water and how it is a Resource

Water: 1. Chemical Composition: Water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, with the chemical formula H2O. 2. States of Matter: It can exist in three main states - liquid, solid (ice), and gas (water vapor) - depending on temperature and pressure. 3. Universal Solvent: Water is an excellent solvent, meaning it can dissolve a wide range of substances, making it essential for various chemical reactions and biological processes. 4. High Heat Capacity: It has a high heat capacity, which helps regulate temperature and climate patterns on Earth. 5. Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules exhibit cohesion (stick together) and adhesion (stick to other surfaces), crucial for capillary action in plants and the transport of nutrients. 6. Surface Tension: The surface tension of water enables insects like water striders to "walk" on its surface due to the cohesive forces between molecules. Water as a Resource: 1. Life Sustenance:

Geography of Water Resources. Scope.

1. Distribution and Availability : Study of how water is distributed across different geographic regions, including its presence in oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater, and glaciers. 2. Hydrological Cycle : Examination of the movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and groundwater recharge. 3. Water Quality : Analysis of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, addressing issues like pollution and contamination. 4. Water Scarcity : Exploration of areas where water supply is insufficient to meet demand, often due to factors like population growth, climate change, and mismanagement. 5. Water Management : Study of strategies to conserve, allocate, and regulate water resources, including infrastructure like dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems. 6. Water-related Ecosystems : Understanding the influence of water on various ecosystems, such as wetlands, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. 7. Human Impact : E

Vineesh V, Geography

Search This Blog