Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Submit feedback or complaints through our forms
• Register for newsletters or updates
• Contact us via email or phone
• Participate in surveys or public consultations

This information may include:

• Name and contact details (email, phone number, address)
• Organization or company name
• Subject matter of inquiry or complaint
• Any other information you choose to provide

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• IP address and browser type
• Operating system and device information
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website or source
• Date and time of access

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries, complaints, or feedback
• To improve our website and services
• To send updates, notifications, or newsletters (with your consent)
• To analyze website usage and trends
• To comply with legal obligations
• To prevent fraud and ensure website security

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and performance

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain website features.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

CPCB does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Government Agencies: When required for regulatory compliance or environmental monitoring purposes
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government authority
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in website operations (subject to confidentiality agreements)
• Public Information: Information submitted for public consultations may be made publicly available

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and databases
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security audits and updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

CPCB reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

11. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact:

12. Compliance

This Privacy Policy is compliant with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, as well as the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) 3.0.