Steps to Ensure Compliance with New Water Pollution Guidelines

New guidelines for dealing with water pollution infractions have been established by the Union Environment Ministry. These regulations will go into force right now. They adhere to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act's most current revisions. Due to the revisions, the emphasis is now on financial consequences rather than criminal ones. The goal of this modification is to increase compliance and expedite the enforcement procedure.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 2024 in brief

• Provides information on procedures for inquiry and penalties concerning water pollution.
• Enables handling of complaints and passing of decisions on violating officers.
• Some modifications of the Water Act shift some offences from criminal to financial ones.
• Any person, including Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards, and Pollution Control Committees, may lodge a complaint.
• A complaint is handled by an adjudication officer with at least the post of joint secretary or secretary in state government.
• The investigation seeks justice and bias; it has a duration of six months.
• New rules relate to industries emitting pollutants, and it reduces the need for prior permissions for industries in the so-defined ‘white’ category that do not emit pollutants.

Exam Point:

• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Olds regulates and monitors water quality and also watches over environmental standards.
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act: Passed in 1974 to address water pollution prevention and control.
• Adjudication Officer: Responsible for managing the process of inquiry; must be of at least JS level.