The new Rules – Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) rules, 2024 have been notified.
The new rules have been notified for holding inquiry and imposing penalties for violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
The new rules have been notified in the backdrop of the amendments made to the Water Act earlier in the 2024.
The amendments had allowed the Centre to appoint officers to adjudicate offences, and violations and determine penalties.
Under the amendments made in July, the Environment Ministry also notified Rules exempting non-polluting ‘white’ category industries from obtaining prior permissions to establish and operate under the Water Act.
The Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards, Pollution Control Committees and Integrated Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment can now file a complaint to the adjudicating officer regarding any contravention under this act.
