Section 2 of WPCPA : Section 2: Definitions

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a textile factory is situated near a river. The factory has been discharging colored wastewater directly into the river without any treatment. This has led to a change in the color of the river water, causing harm to the aquatic life and making the water unsafe for the local community's use.

In this context, the term "Board" refers to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) for that particular state. The "occupier" of the factory is responsible for the wastewater management. The wastewater, which is a "trade effluent", is causing "pollution" as it is altering the biological properties of the water in the river, which is a "stream" as per the definitions provided in the Act.

The SPCB can take action against the factory under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, for discharging untreated effluent into the river and causing pollution. This could include requiring the factory to install proper wastewater treatment facilities and penalizing them for the environmental damage caused by their actions.