1. - These three writ petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, involve common questions with regard to the validity of the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (hereafter referred to as "the Act") and are, therefore, disposed of by a common order.

2. The Act, which came into force in the State of Rajasthan on 23rd March, 1974, was enacted by the Parliament with a view to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and the maintaining or restoring of wholesomeness of water. The Act was enacted in accordance with the provisions of Article 252 of the Constitution of India after resolutions in pursuance of Clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution had been passed by the houses of the Legislatures of the various states, including the Legislature of State of Rajasthan, to the effect that the matters aforesaid should be regulated in those States by the Parliament by law. Section 3 of the Act provides for the constitution of the Central Board for the prevention and control of water pollution. Section 4 provides for the constitution of the State Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution. Secti