Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is an Act to provide for the prevention and
control of water pollution and the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water, for the establishment of
Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution, and for assigning powers and functions to such Boards.
The Act aims to ensure scientific, administrative, and legal measures for preserving water quality in India.
During his tenure as Member Secretary, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (2003–2007),
Dr. Dilip B. Boralkar initiated several pioneering measures and policy reforms for water conservation
and pollution control. Major achievements are listed below:
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Rainwater Harvesting at MPCB Nagpur (2004):
Installed a complete rainwater harvesting system at the Regional Office, MPCB, Nagpur — the first of its kind
in the city.
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Mandatory Groundwater Recharge for Beverage Industries:
All cold drink and mineral water manufacturing units in Maharashtra were mandated to
recharge double the quantity of groundwater they extract for production.
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Tightening of Wastewater Disposal Standards:
Fixed the BOD limit at 30 mg/l for all discharges, irrespective of receiving waters
(as against the national standard of 100 mg/l for coastal discharge).
This was based on scientific studies at MIDC Kurkumbh, Butibori, and Waluj, emphasizing water conservation and pollution prevention.
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Promotion of Advanced Sewage Treatment Technologies:
Encouraged treatment systems achieving < 10 mg/l BOD.
India’s first 100 MLD STP based on this advanced technology was commissioned in
Navi Mumbai (2005–06), and continues to operate successfully.
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CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant) Capacity and Performance Improvements:
Prepared and executed special action plans for capacity enhancement, improved operational performance,
and increased water recycling at CETPs.
This resulted in a substantial reduction of COD load entering coastal waters.
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First-of-its-kind Mandate for Thermal Power Plants:
For the first time in India, a thermal power plant was directed to
treat and utilize municipal sewage for its entire water requirement.
This project is now successfully operational, and similar policy frameworks are under consideration nationwide.
