Rajya Sabha Passes Water Pollution Amendment Bill

Rajya Sabha Passes Water Pollution Amendment Bill

Asif Iqbal | February 6, 2024 | 08:04 PM IST | Breaking News, Politics | Follow on Google News

Rajya Sabha Passes Water Pollution Amendment Bill

Rajya Sabha Passes Water Pollution Amendment Bill

The Rajya Sabha passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill 2024, which aims to decriminalize minor water pollution offenses, allow the Centre to set service conditions for State Pollution Control Boards’ chairpersons, and exempt certain industrial plants from statutory restrictions. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the need for harmony between development and environmental protection. The amendments aim to enhance transparency and address issues related to water pollution, promoting ease of living and doing business. The Bill received approval through a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha.

The amendment seeks to rationalize criminal provisions, ensuring that citizens and businesses operate without fear of imprisonment for minor defaults. The central government gains the power to exempt specific industrial plants from new outlet and discharge restrictions, reducing duplication of surveillance. The Bill also empowers the Centre to prescribe guidelines for State Pollution Control Boards’ chairpersons’ nomination and terms, streamlining appointments. Minor offenses will be decriminalized, replaced with monetary penalties for continued contravention.

Environment Minister Yadav highlighted that the amendments align with the Air Act, providing impetus to industries and environmental protection. While critics expressed concerns about centralization and legitimacy of offenses, supporters emphasized the move towards ease of doing business, freeing businesses from an inspector raj. The Bill reflects efforts to balance environmental protection, ease of doing business, and federalism principles.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.