General powers of the Central Government stated in Chapter-11 of the Environmental protection Act 1986

1. Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
2. Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide program for the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
3. Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their prevention, control or abatement;
4. Plan and organise training of persons engaged in programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
5. Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
6. Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution and the measures devised for their effective prevention, control or abatement;
7. Prepare manuals, codes and guidelines relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents as well as for stack gas cleaning devices, stacks and ducts;
8. Lay down, modify or annul, in consultation with the State Governments concerned, the standards for stream or well, and lay down standards for the quality of air; and perform such other function as may be prescribed by the Government of India.

As per the policy decision of the Government of India, the CPC'B has delegated its powers and functions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 with respect to Union Territories to respective local administrations. CPC'B along with its counterparts State Pollution Control Boards (SPC'Bs) are responsible for implementation of legislations relating to prevention and control of environmental pollution.