Rajya Sabha passes bill to decriminalise offences related to water pollution

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024, which seeks to decriminalise minor offences related to water pollution.

The Bill seeks to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, was approved by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote.

The Act establishes the central and state pollution control boards to prevent and control water pollution. The Bill decriminalises several violations, and imposes penalties.

As per the provision of the Bill, It will initially apply to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the union territories. Under the act, the chairman of a State Pollution Control Board is nominated by the state government.

According to the provision of the bill, the central government will prescribe the manner of nomination and the terms and conditions of service of the chairman.

The Bill imposes a penalty between ten thousand rupees to 15 lakh rupees for violation of provisions related to discharge of polluting matter in water bodies.

Replying to the discussion Bill, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav said, the government is committed towards water conservation.

He said, “Development and environment protection must go together. “There should be harmony in ease of living and ease of doing business… Its provisions will lead to greater transparency in dealing with various issues related to water pollution”.

According to the proposed law, It also empowers the central government to issue guidelines on the matters relating to the grant, refusal or cancellation of consent by any state board for establishment of any industry.