The general powers of the central government as stated in chapter – II of Environment Protection Act 1986 are:

• The Central Government shall have power to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution.
• Planning and extension of nation-wide programme for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
• Laying down standards for the quality of environment in its various aspects; laying down standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources whatsoever.
• Inspection of any premises, plants, equipment, machinery, manufacturing or other processes, materials or substances and giving by order, of such direction to such authorities’ officers and persons as it may consider necessary to take steps, for prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.
• Collection and dissemination of information in respect of matters relating to environmental pollution; preparation of manual, codes or guide relating to the prevention control and abatement of environmental pollution.