The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved the proposal to adopt the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 (Central Act 5 of 2024), paving the way for bringing the amended central legislation into force in the state.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 was enacted by Parliament and notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on February 15, 2024. The amendment seeks to decriminalize and rationalize minor offences under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, with the objective of promoting trust-based governance, improving ease of living and facilitating ease of doing business.
The amended law also streamlines the process for nomination of Chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards.The Amendment Act initially became applicable to the states of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, which had passed resolutions for its adoption. Other states can adopt the Act by passing a resolution through their respective legislatures.
With the Cabinet's approval, Haryana will now move a resolution in the State Legislative Assembly for adoption of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, making its provisions applicable in the state.
The adoption of the amended law will help modernize the regulatory framework governing water pollution control by replacing criminal penalties for minor procedural violations with a more balanced and compliance-oriented approach.