Question

A manufacturing company in the city of Surat named as "X" has been discharging untreated industrial waste into a nearby river, violating the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This has resulted in severe pollution, making the river water unsafe for drinking and harming aquatic life. Local farmers and residents, who rely on the river for irrigation and daily needs, have started facing health issues and crop failures due to the contaminated water. Despite multiple complaints to the local pollution control board, no action has been taken against the company. Based on the above problem, select the correct answer:

• A. It is not the violation of the provisions of the laws stated in the problem.
• B. It is the violation of Section 23 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• C. It is the violation of Section 24 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• D. It is the violation of Section 40 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Hint:

Under Section 24 of the Water Act, no industry can discharge pollutants into any stream, well, or sewer without prior treatment or consent from the Pollution Control Board.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Section 24 of the Act.
Section 24 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 prohibits any person or industry from knowingly discharging any poisonous, noxious, or polluting matter into any stream or well, thereby causing pollution. It directly relates to cases where untreated industrial effluents are released into water bodies.
Step 2: Application to the problem.
In the given case, the company discharged untreated industrial waste into a river, which led to water pollution and health hazards for the public and aquatic life. This act clearly violates Section 24 of the Water Act, 1974.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) Incorrect — The company’s actions clearly violate environmental laws.
(B) Incorrect — Section 23 deals with the powers of entry and inspection, not pollution discharge.
(C) Correct — Section 24 prohibits polluting discharges into water bodies.
(D) Incorrect — Section 40 concerns offences by government departments, not private companies.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the manufacturing company is guilty of violating Section 24 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.