- 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.
