(1)  Subject to the provisions of this Act, and without prejudice to the performance, of its functions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974), the main functions of the Central Board shall be to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

   (2)  In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing functions, the Central Board may--

   (a)  advise the Central Government on any matter concerning the improvement of the quality of air and the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   (b)  plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   (c)  co-ordinate the activities of the State and resolve disputes among them;

   (d)  provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigations and research relating to problems of air pollution and prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   ¹[(dd)  perform such of the functions of any State Board as may be specified in and order made under sub-section (2) of section 18;]

   (e)  plan and organise the training of persons engaged or to be engaged in programmes for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution on such terms and conditions as the Central Board may specify;

   (f)  organise through mass media a comprehensive programme regarding the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   (g)  collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to air pollution and the measures devised for its effective prevention, control or abatement and prepare manuals, codes or guides relating to prevention, control or abatement of air pollution;

   (h)  lay down standards for the quality of air;

   (i)  collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to air pollution;

   (j)  perform such other functions as may be prescribed.

   (3)  The Central Board may establish or recognise a laboratory or laboratories to enable the Central Board to perform its functions under this section efficiently.

   (4)  The Central Board may--

   (a)  delegate any of its functions under this Act generally or specially to any of the committees appointed by it;

   (b)  do such other things and perform such other acts as it may think necessary for the proper discharge of its functions and generally for the purpose of carrying into effect the purposes of this Act.