The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has unveiled a proposal to amend the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1982. This proposed overhaul aims to introduce stringent penalties for violations and enhance the effectiveness of pollution control measures across various industries.
The draft amendments, now open for public scrutiny and feedback, reflect a broader push towards improving air quality, particularly in urban areas plagued by high pollution levels. Cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kanpur, and Hyderabad have faced recurring air quality issues, prompting the government to take more robust action. Under the proposed changes, new guidelines will establish a framework for adjudicating officers who will be endowed with quasi-judicial powers. These officers, drawn from both state and central environmental departments, will be responsible for determining penalties for infractions. This new layer of oversight aims to enforce compliance more effectively and serve as a stronger deterrent against environmental violations.
The MoEFCC has announced that the amendments will come into effect 60 days from the publication date of July 24. During this period, stakeholders and the public are invited to submit objections or suggestions regarding the draft notification. While the amendments are expected to yield significant long-term environmental benefits by imposing stricter penalties and enhancing transparency in environmental management, they may also escalate operational costs for industries. Sectors such as manufacturing, textiles, and chemicals are likely to face increased compliance expenses. Smaller companies, in particular, may find these additional costs burdensome, raising concerns among industry experts and legal professionals about the financial impact of these new regulations.
These amendments underscores the government’s commitment to addressing persistent air pollution issues while balancing the need for rigorous enforcement with the economic implications for businesses. As the consultation period progresses, stakeholders will be closely watching how these proposed changes might reshape the regulatory landscape and their practical implications for industry operations.
