The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has introduced new rules under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. These rules outline how the Environmental (Protection) Fund will be used.
This fund collects penalties from those who violate environmental laws, including the Air Act and the Water Act. The new rules clarify 11 activities where the fund can be spent. These activities include:
– Setting up and maintaining air quality monitors
– Building laboratory capacities
– Cleaning up polluted sites
Interestingly, up to 5% of the fund can cover administrative costs, like salaries for staff managing this fund. The Union Minister for Environment is designated as a “competent authority” to approve fund usage for other necessary environmental protection activities.
Funds collected from penalties will go to the Consolidated Fund of India and eventually to the Public Account of India. This aligns with provisions made earlier in the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalized certain pollution-related offenses. Penalties range from ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh, a significant amount aimed at deterring environmental violations.
In recent developments, reports show that states will receive 75% of the collected penalties, while the remaining 25% stays with the Centre. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India will audit this fund, ensuring transparency and accountability, with reports submitted to Parliament and state legislatures.
Statistics reveal that in 2023, there were over 23,000 environmental violations reported, highlighting an urgent need for robust monitoring and remediation efforts. Experts suggest that proper utilization of this fund can lead to improved air quality and healthier ecosystems.
As public awareness grows, social media has seen increased discussions about environmental issues. Users are calling for better enforcement of these rules and sharing personal stories of how pollution affects their communities.
These new rules mark a significant step toward addressing environmental concerns and can lead to a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.
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