Water pollution curbs: Bill allowing exemption to industrial units tabled

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by MoS for Environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

Water pollution, Water pollution curbs, State Pollution Control Boards, Water Amendment Bill 2024, water bill introduced in Rajya Sabha, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Water Prevention and Control of Pollution, indian express news

The Centre on Monday introduced a Bill that would enable it to prescribe the norms for nominating chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards, exempt certain industrial units from restrictions, and decriminalise “minor offences” related to water pollution.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by MoS for Environment Ashwini Kumar Choubey. It would be applicable to Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, and any other state that passes a resolution under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Currently, the Act prescribes imprisonment of up to three months for not informing the State Board about abstraction of water from a stream or well in a substantial volume and not providing information about construction, installation or operation of disposal system. The Bill amends it to a fine between Rs10,000 and Rs15 lakh.

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The Act states the chairman of the State Pollution Control Board will be nominated by the State government, to which the Bill adds “in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government”.

The Bill enables the Centre to “exempt certain categories of industrial plants” from the restrictions on new outlets and discharges. It also enables the Centre to “issue guidelines” on matters relating to grant, establishment of any industry, etc.

Damini Nath

Damini Nath is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. She covers the housing and urban affairs and Election Commission beats. She has 11 years of experience as a reporter and sub-editor. Before joining The Indian Express in 2022, she was a reporter with The Hindu’s national bureau covering culture, social justice, housing and urban affairs and the Election Commission. ... Read More

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