---
title: "Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974"
description: "The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 established Pollution Control Boards in India to combat water pollution and ensure clean water."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/water-prevention-control-of-pollution-act-1974"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 is an Indian statute that establishes Central and State Pollution Control Boards to prevent and abate water pollution and maintain water wholesomeness.
- Why was the Water Act 1974 enacted under Article 252 rather than directly by Parliament?
- What is the difference between the Water Act 1974 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986?
- What does 'consent to operate' mean under the Water Act?
- How did the 2023-2024 amendments change the Water Act?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 2017 the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, acting under Section 33A of the Water Act 1974, ordered the closure of tanneries in the Vellore district discharging untreated effluent into the Palar river.

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