Context:
Parliament passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024:
- The Act establishes the central and state pollution control boards (CPCB and SPCBs) to prevent and control water pollution.
- The Bill decriminalises several violations of the act deemed “minor” and instead imposes penalties.
- Initially applied to – Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the union territories
- Other states may pass resolutions to extend its applicability to their states.
- The central government will prescribe the manner of nomination and the terms and conditions of service of the chairman.
- Over 1 lakh water bodies have been identified under Amrit Sarovar
- 75 lakes are included in Ramsar sites.
- The Government is committed to the Namami Gange Project
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:
- Aim– to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution
- Only applicable to 12 states
- The Act previously amended in – 1988 and 2003
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act – Enacted in 1977
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977:
- Aim – Levy and collect cess on water consumed by persons operating and carrying on certain types of industrial activities.
- Cess is collected as resources of the Central Board and the State Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution.
Water Act 1974 vs. New Amendment Bill (2024):
| As per Act in 1974 | Amended in new bill | |
| Consent exemptions for establishing industries | Prior consent of SPCB is required | Central government with consultation with CPCB may exempt some categories Central government may issue guidelines for the grant, refusal, or cancellation of consent granted by the SPCB. |
| Punishment for violation of Act | Operating an industry without consent of SPCB is punishable with imprisonment up to s6 years and fine | Added – The penalty will be between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15 lakh.Failure to pay penalty – An imprisonment term of up to three years, or a fine up to twice the amount of penalty imposed. |
| Chairman of State Board | Nominated by the state government | Central government will prescribe the manner of nomination and the terms and conditions of service of the chairman. |
| Discharge of polluting matter | SPCB may issue directions to immediately restrain any activity which is leading to discharge of noxious or polluting matter in water bodiesPunishable with an imprisonment term between one and a half years and six years, and a fine | Exemptions include depositing non-polluting materials on the bank of a stream for reclaiming landRemoves the punishment and instead, imposes a penalty between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15 lakh. |
| Cognizance of offences | Court may take cognizance of an offence if a complaint is made by the CPCB or SPCB, or a person who has given a notice of the complaint to the Boards | Cognizance may also be taken if a complaint is made by the adjudicating officer. |
| Offences by government departments | The head of a department will be deemed guilty for offences committed by government departments | The head of a department will be required to pay penalty equal to one month of their basic salary if the department violates any provision of the Act. |
Read more about: Ramsar Convention , Click here to download Ramsar Sites Map, 5 New Ramsar sites,
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Central Water Commission
(b) Central Ground Water Board
(c) Central Ground Water Authority
(d) National Water Development Agency
Answer: (c)
