Functions of the Central Pollution Control Board at National Level (CPCB):

• The main function of the Pollution Control Board is to improve the quality of air, promote cleanliness of water bodies and to prevent pollution.
• Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
• Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programm for the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
• Co-ordinate the activities of the State Board and resolve disputes among them;
• 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.
• Plan and organise training of persons engaged in programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
• Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
• 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;
• 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;
• Disseminate information in respect of matters relating to water and air pollution and their prevention and control;
• 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.

Functions of the State Board:

• Planning a comprehensive programme for prevention, control and abate­ment of pollution of streams and wells.
• Advising the State Government regarding water pollution control or loca­tion of industries.
• Conducting and encouraging investigations and research relating to differ­ent aspects of water pollution.
• To collaborate with the Central Board for training personnel for handling water pollution programmes and organising related mass education pro­grammes.
• Inspecting trade effluents and waste water treatment plants.

Powers of the State Government:

(A)  Power to Obtain Information:

• The State Board may make surveys, take measurements or obtain information for purpose of performing functions under this Act. Failure to comply with any directions un­der the Section is a punishable offence.

(B)  Power to Take Samples:

• The State Government has the power to take samples of water of any stream or well or any effluent being discharged into such a stream or well, for analysis.
• The State Board further has the power to obtain a report of the result of the analysis by a recognised laboratory.

(C)  Power of Entry and Inspection:

• The State Board is empowered by the State Govt., with the right to enter any place for the pur­pose of performing any of the functions entrusted to it.

(D)  Power of Prohibition on Disposal of Polluting Matter into a Stream or Well:

• No person shall knowingly allow entry of any poisonous, noxious or pollut­ing matter directly or indirectly into any stream, well or sewer or on land.
• No person shall knowingly allow entry of any matter into any stream, which may impede the proper flow of water resulting in substantial aggravation of pollution.