Legal level -Pollution control

Pollution must be controlled by effective legislation also. Like USA, Japan, Germany and many other countries a comprehensive legislation for prevention and control of water pollution has also been enacted in India. The Water Act 1974 and Air Act in 1981 are being implemented through the Central Board and State Boards- the Central Board coordinates the regulatory norms and enacts strategies to be undertaken for effective prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution in the country. It also looks after the pollution control activities in the Union Territories.

The Air Act is meant to regulate and control the emissions from automobiles and industrial plants. The state government can declare certain areas as "Air pollution control' areas" and the industries cannot operate in such areas without prior permission 'from the State Board: The Water Act prohibits the dumping of poisonous metals, hazardous chemicals and other pollutants into stream and wells. For dumping of sewage and industrial effluents in water, prior consent of the State Board is necessary.