Be ready to pay Rs 1 crore fine for violating new anti-pollution law

New Delhi : The ordinance has been approved in Delhi-NCR and adjoining states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP to form a commission to prevent air pollution, suggest measures and monitor it. President Ram Nath Kovind has approved for this commission to deal with the threat of air pollution through an ordinance on Wednesday.

This commission will include a chairperson as well as representatives of the Central Government, NCR states, Central Pollution Control Board and ISRO. According to the information, this commission will replace the Bhurelal-led Environmental Pollution Control and Protection Authority (EPCA). The EPCA was formed by the Supreme Court as the apex monitoring body in pollution cases.

This commission will have a chairman and 17 members who will be appointed by the central government. Also, representatives from Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab and Rajasthan will be involved. The formation of this commission will end all differences between the task force, the committee and the expert group on any issue and will work in synergy. The headquarters of this commission will be in Delhi.

This commission will be headed by a government official of the rank of Secretary or Chief Secretary, and will include the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and five other Secretary / Chief Secretary level officials.

There will be 3 sub-committees in this committee.

– Sub-Committee on Monitoring and Identification

– Sub-Committee on Security and Enforcement

– Sub-Committee on Research and Development

The Commission has been empowered to take action against those who violate the instructions laid down by it to end the pollution crisis. Fines will be imposed for non-compliance with the Commission’s orders and state notifications.

The Commission will have the authority to issue guidelines to end the pollution crisis, take automatic cognizance on the basis of complaints, stop power supply or take action against any institution or industry.

The Code of Criminal Procedure will be applicable against any officer of the Commission for obstructing his work and violating the rules of the Commission. Fines can be punishable by imprisonment for one or 5 years. Not only this, the amount of fine can be 1 crore rupees or more.