Context: 

Recently Rajya Sabha Passed Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Amendment Bill 2024.

Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Amendment Bill 2024

• It amends the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974. 
  • Decriminalizes several violations, and instead imposes penalties.
  • Changes in the Appointment of Chairman of the state Board .
  • It will initially apply to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and the union territories.

• Penalty for the offenses & Decriminalisation of Minor offenses 

• • The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Amendment Bill removes imprisonment as a punishment, and prescribes a penalty between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15 lakh.
• Appointment of Adjudicating officer to determine penalties: Adjudicating officers will Decide on a penalty in cases of Violations.
• Cognizance of offenses:  
  • A court may take cognizance of an offense if a complaint is made by As per the Act, the CPCB or SPCB, or a person who has given a notice of the complaint to the Boards &  It adds that cognizance may also be taken if a complaint is made by the adjudicating officer.
• Offenses by government departments : The Bill specifies that the head of a department will be required to pay a penalty equal to one month of their basic salary if the department violates any provision of the Act.

Significance of the Amendment 

• Balancing Development and Environmental protection : It will ensure that citizens, businesses, and companies can operate without the looming threat of imprisonment for minor, technical, or procedural defaults. 
• Enhance transparency in addressing water pollution concerns : The penal consequences of offenses will align with the severity of the transgressions, promoting a fair and proportionate approach.

News Source : The Hindu