Title Bhoj Wetland

Why in news?

• The state government has permitted the operation of the cruise with a capacity of 50 passengers, but even broad estimates suggest that human sewage of 19,000 litres will be generated in a week alone.
• The cruise boat operates on diesel, which is a clear violation. It will also directly violate the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, of 1986.

Key features of Bhoj wetland

• It consists of two contiguous human-made reservoirs, the upper and lower lakes located in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• The lakes are very rich in biodiversity, particularly for macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, both natural and cultured fish species, both resident and migratory birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. 
• It is designated as the Ramsar site in 2002.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986.

• It was enacted to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment.
• It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and tackling specific environmental problems. 
• One of the features of this act is: No person shall discharge or emit or permit to be discharged or emitted any environmental pollutant in excess of such standards as may be prescribed.

Q1) What is Central Pollution Control Board?

It is a statutory organisation which was constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Source: NGT probe into cruise operating in Bhopal Ramsar wetland

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