The Rajya Sabha passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill 2024, which decriminalises minor water pollution offences and allows the central government to regulate the service conditions of State Pollution Control Board chairpersons. It also exempts certain industrial plants from statutory restrictions. The Bill aims to promote transparency in dealing with water pollution issues and ensure that penalties are proportionate to the severity of the offence. Additionally, it grants the central government the power to issue guidelines on consent for industries and the nomination of board chairpersons.
