The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has rolled out the Draft Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Amendment) Rules, 2024 (“Amendment”) to further amend the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules 1982 and has invited objections or suggestions till 19th September 2024.

The Amendment prescribes for the Adjudication and Environmental Protection Fund Management and covers the following:

1. A new chapter i.e. Chapter 8 has been inserted to provide for the following:
   1. Appointment of Adjudicating Officer
   2. Cognizance and Processing of matters
   3. Manner of inquiry by Adjudicating Officer
   4. Transfer of matters and proceedings
   5. Manner of service of notice for adjudication
   6. Order of the Adjudicating Officer
   7. Appeals from the order of the Adjudicating Officer
   8. Factors to be considered while determining quantum of penalty
   9. Failure to pay penalty/ additional penalty imposed by the Adjudicating Officer
   10. Amount to be credited in the Environment Protection Fund.
2. The following new Forms have been inserted:
   1. FORM X: Format of Non-Compliance or Contravention of the Provisions of the Air Act
   2. FORM XI: Serving Notice for Adjudication
   3. FORM XII: Format for Order under Rule 20(9) i.e. Order of the Adjudicating Officer
   4. FORM XIII: Format of Transfer Of Non- Compliance by Presenting Officer
   5. FORM XIV: Format of Transfer Of Proceedings by Adjudicating Officer
   6. FORM XV: Format for Payment of Penalty to the Fund
   7. FORM XVI: Format for Annual Statement of Accounts of Environment Protection Fund
   8. FORM XVII: Format for Annual Report (giving a true and full account of the activities of the Central Board)

Manner of sending objections/suggestions:

Any objections/suggestions may be given in writing by 19th September 2024 through post to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, JorBagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003 or electronically at email address: mishra.vp@gov.in/diriapolicy-moefcc@nic.in/prasoon.tripathi76@gov.in

Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Share this: