The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a statutory organization, was constituted in September, 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Principal functions of the CPCB, as spelt out in the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, 

1. to promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and
2. to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

Functions of CPCB:

The main functions of the Central Population Control Board are to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

The Central Board may:

1. Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
2. Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
3. Co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them;
4. Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
5. Plan and organise the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify
6. Organise through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
7. Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to air pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention, control or abatement and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;
8. Lay down standards for the quality of air.
9. Collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to air pollution;
10. Perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
11. Establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Central Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently.
12. Do such other things and perform such other acts as it may think necessary for the proper discharge of its functions and generally for the purpose of carrying into effect the purposes Of this Act.

Powers of Central Pollution Collection Control Board:

1. Power to give direction: Central Board can give direction to various bodies to perform or not perform various activities for the benefit of environment.
2. Power to declare pollution control areas.
3. Power to give instructions for ensuring standards for emission from automobiles.
4. Restriction on use of certain industrial plants.
5. Power to make application to court for restraining person from causing pollution.
6. Power of entry and inspection of various factories and industries.
7. Power to obtain information from the person carrying on the industry operations.
8. Power to take samples of air or emission and procedure to be followed in connection therewith.