The Air  Prevention and Control of Pollution  Act, 1981 is a central Act of Parliament, which provides for the prevention and control of air pollution and maintaining the good quality of air. It has also provided for the establishment of the Central and State Boards for the Prevention and Control of Air Pollution under sections 3 and 4.

According to the Act “Air Pollution means the presence in the atmosphere of any air pollutant” and “air pollutant’’ means “any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in the atmosphere in such a concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to human beings or other living creatures or plant or property or environment.

Functions of Air Act 1981:

• To encourage cleanliness of water bodies like streams and wells in different regions of the states through reduction, control and prevention of pollution.
• To improve the air quality of the surrounding environment and prevent control or lessen the air pollution in the country.
• Advise the central government regarding pollution prevention and control and prevention of pollution.
• Raising awareness nationwide for prevention, control or abatement of environmental pollution.
• To coordinate the activities of various state Boards and settle their disputes
• Provide technical support and advise the state pollution control boards, conduct and sponsor research programmes relating to pollution problems, their prevention and control
• Organize mass awareness program through mass media to disseminate and educate the public regarding pollution prevention, control and abatement.