UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM & ENERGY STUDIES

College of Legal Studies

Dehradun

Dissertation Abstract

Water Pollution and Control: Laws and Practices

Submitted By:
Vinod Kapoor
B.B.A. LL.B (H) with Specialization in Corporate Laws- 5th Year
R760210067
2010-2015

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Abstract
Water is one of the most vital and basic natural resources. Not only water
is one of the most essential commodities of our day-to-day life, but the
development of this resource also plays a essential role in economic and
social development processes. Though the total amount of water existing
in the world is constant and is generally said to be adequate to meet all
the demands and requirements of mankind, its quality and distribution
over diverse regions of the world is uneven and causes problems of
scarcity and suitability. It is therefore, imperative that man should
develop, use and manage this scarce commodity a rationally and efficient
manner. In order to execute this job, accurate and adequate information
must be available pertaining to the quality of the natural resource under
constantly varying human pressures and natural forces. Water pollution is a
serious problem in India. Almost 70 per cent of its surface water resources and a high
percentage of its groundwater reserves are contaminated by biological, toxic, organic, and
inorganic pollutants. In various cases, these sources have been rendered unsafe for human
consumption and for other activities, such as agricultural and industrial needs. This clearly
shows that degraded water quality can lead to water scarcity as it limits its availability for
human use and for the ecosystem.
In 1995, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had identified severely polluted
stretches on 18 major rivers in India. Not surprisingly, a majority of these stretches were
found in and around urban areas. The high incidence of large contamination near urban areas
indicates that the industrial and domestic sectors contributes to water pollution is much
higher than their relative importance implied in the Indian economy. Agricultural activities
also do contribute in terms of overall impact and quality of water. Besides a rapidly depleting
groundwater table in different parts, the country faces another major problem on the water
frontgroundwater contaminationa problem which has affected 19 states, including Delhi.
Geo-genic contaminants, including salinity, iron, fluoride, and arsenic have affected
groundwater in over 200 districts spread across 19 states.
Water as an environmental resource is renewing in the sense that it could mix with pollution
loads up to certain levels without affecting its quality. In fact there could be a issues of water
pollution only when the pollution loads exceed the natural regenerative capacity of a water
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resource. The control of water pollution is therefore to reduce up to certain level, the
pollution loads from anthropogenic activities to the natural regenerative capacity of the
resource. The benefits of the preservation of water quality are multiple. Not only can
abatement of water pollution provide marketable advantages, such as reduced water borne
diseases, savings in the cost of supplying water for household, industrial and agricultural
uses, control of land degradation, and development of fisheries, but it can also generate nonmarketable benefits like improved environmental amenities, aquatic life, and biodiversity.
Hypothesis: Referring to the Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act of 1974 and
Water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act of 1977, Government policies and from the
available data, this study aims to provide an overview of the conditions that were earlier
present before the rules and also the present scenario. Also the extent, impacts, and control of
water pollution in India would be covered. It also tries to identify the theoretical and policy
issues and different laws that are involved that would help in drawing a conclusion and
coming to a final result.
Methodology: A doctrinal method of research would be adopted. The textbooks, case studies,
statistics, tables and other relevant data available in the library and various other sources
would be referred and in comparison with UK laws. Descriptive and analytical approach
would be followed in coming to a conclusion by help of various data available.
Keywords: Water Pollution, Pollutants, Maintenance and Restoration, Central Pollution
Control Board, Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974, Water
preservation, Regulation and Control.

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