• UGI USER
  • Jul 27, 2024
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TOUGH STEPS TO CLEAN THE AIR MAY RAISE EXPENSES IN SEVERAL SECTORS

Why in the news?

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed amendments to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982, to combat air pollution.
  • These amendments include penalties for non-compliance and appointing adjudicating officers to enforce rules, impacting polluting industries such as manufacturing and textiles.

Key Proposals and Changes

  • Increased operational expenses and stricter oversight for industries like manufacturing, textiles, and chemicals.
  • Quasi-judicial powers to bureaucrats for imposing penalties and conducting inquiries.
  • Government invites public comments and feedback, with enforcement starting 60 days from July 24.
Source:DISC
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981

Objectives and Definitions

  • Enacted to implement decisions from the 1972 Stockholm Conference, aiming to improve air quality and control pollution.
  • Defines ‘air pollutants’ as harmful solid, liquid, or gaseous substances, including noise (added in 1987).
  • ‘Air pollution’ is the presence of dangerous pollutants making the air unbreathable.

Regulatory Framework

  • Similar to the Water Act of 1974, extending authority to control air pollution.
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversees nationwide enforcement; State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) implement directives at the state level.
  • States without water pollution boards must establish air pollution boards.

Key Provisions

  • Industries in designated areas must obtain consent (permits) from SPCBs.
  • States set emission standards for industries and vehicles, consulting CPCB.
  • SPCBs have powers to test equipment and analyze samples from any emission source.
  • 1988 amendment empowers SPCBs and CPCB to close non-compliant industrial plants, moving from criminal prosecution to direct enforcement.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/green-credit-initiative/