The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday approved a resolution by voice vote to extend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, to Manipur. This decision comes as the state remains under President’s Rule since February.
The Act aims to decriminalise minor offences related to water pollution, allowing the Centre to set service conditions for chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards. It also exempts certain industrial plants from statutory restrictions. The proposed changes seek to make regulations more balanced, permitting citizens, businesses, and companies to operate without the fear of imprisonment for minor, technical, or procedural violations. Furthermore, the Bill intends to replace minor offences with financial penalties for continued infractions.
Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav introduced the resolution, stressing that both Houses need to approve it due to the current political situation in Manipur. Opposition MPs, however, called for elections in the state, with Congress MP Neeraj Dangi suggesting the resolution was brought forward because the circumstances have not improved. Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev highlighted that many individuals are still residing in relief camps.
In response to these concerns, Yadav clarified that the Bill had already passed both Houses of Parliament and has been adopted by several state assemblies, including those in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal. He added that provisions like the Consent to Operate (CTO), which authorizes industrial operations by ensuring compliance with environmental standards, will also be implemented in Manipur.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/rajya-sabha-approves-extension-of-water-pollution-amendment-act-to-manipur/37166/
Category: Manipur,Rajya Sabha,Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act
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Publish Date: 2025-12-04 11:31:00
