"Namami Gange Tightens Industrial Pollution Monitoring Mechanism"
Grossly Polluting Industry (GPI)
an industry whose effluent discharge significantly pollutes a river and needs mandatory annual inspection
Consent to Operate
a state pollution board permit allowing an industry to function under set pollution-control conditions
The Namami Gange Programme treats industrial pollution abatement as a core pillar. It works alongside sewage treatment and ecological flow maintenance. Industries whose effluent is heavy enough to seriously harm river health are classified as Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs). GPIs are industries whose effluent load and compliance risk require mandatory annual inspection. This system began in 2017. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory body set up under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It carries out standard-setting and monitoring functions. CPCB acts as the National Regulatory Authority overseeing GPI inspections. It works with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). These SPCBs issue a 'Consent to Operate' to each industry. This means a state permit that allows an industry to run, subject to pollution-control conditions.
This regulatory role is different from that of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT is a judicial body created by a separate Act in 2010. It delivers environmental justice and reduces the burden on higher courts. The CPCB's job is different. It sets emission and effluent standards and keeps air and water clean. Apex coordination for the Ganga sits with the National Ganga Council. The Prime Minister chairs this council. It succeeded the earlier National Ganga River Basin Authority. Industrial regulation here has moved from a one-time 'inspect and penalise' model. Now it uses continuous oversight, independent verification, and follow-up action.
The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was the earlier apex body for Ganga coordination. The National Ganga Council succeeded it. River basin is the unit of planning and management in NGRBA's approach to conservation.
Each year, trained teams inspect GPIs in the Ganga basin. The inspection team includes at least two experts from a technical institute. It also includes an SPCB officer and a representative of the State Mission for Clean Ganga or District Ganga Committee. Inspection checks Consent to Operate compliance, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, pH and OCEMS connectivity. BOD and COD measure how much oxygen-depleting or chemical pollution the effluent carries. TSS and TDS measure suspended and dissolved solids. OCEMS (Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems) are sensors that send real-time pollution data to regulators. Inspectors also check for illegal bypasses and multiple hidden discharge points. …
Which of the following are the key features of 'National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)'?
1.River basin is the unit of planning and management.
2.It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
3.One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ?
1.The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2.The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) under the Namami Gange Programme:
1.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) functions as the National Regulatory Authority for GPI inspections.
2.GPI inspections are carried out exclusively by officials of the concerned State Pollution Control Board.
3.Inspection findings include geo-tagged photographic or videographic evidence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following parameters are checked during the inspection of Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) under Namami Gange?
1.Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
2.Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
3.Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
4.Groundwater contamination near the unit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
With reference to the Namami Gange industrial pollution inspection framework, which one of the following terms refers to a system where all industrial wastewater is treated and reused, with none released untreated?
Match the following industrial sectors with the regulatory initiative under Namami Gange that specifically applies to them:
Sector — Initiative
1.Tannery — (i) Sector-specific pollution-prevention Charter
2.All GPIs — (ii) Annual third-party inspection
3.Clusters of small units — (iii) Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) monitoring
Select the correct match:
The 'Consent to Operate' referred to in the context of industrial pollution regulation is issued by which authority?
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