• Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data regarding environmental pollutants and workout various activities for prevention, control and abatement of pollutants.
• Prepare manuals, codes and guidelines regarding treatment and disposal of sewage.
• Lay down standards for quality of air or water in consultation with the respective state government.
• Set up research laboratories.
• The CPCB is empowered to issue consent to industry, local bodies and other authority for violation of rules regarding general emission, effluent standards, hazardous chemicals and waste, bio-medical waste, industrial solid waste, municipal solid waste under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

 Categories of the major polluting industries

• Aluminium Smelter
• Caustic Soda
• Cement
• Copper Smelter
• Distilleries
• Dyes & Dye Intermediates
• Fertilizer
• Integrated Iron & Steel
• Tanneries
• Pesticides
• Petrochemicals
• Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
• Pulp & Paper
• Oil Refineries
• Sugar
• Thermal Power Plants
• Zinc Smelter