Punjab Implements the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act
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Synopsis
On March 28, 2024, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha officially adopted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, enhancing water quality protection measures. The session also saw the introduction of new regulations for the mining and crusher industry to promote accountability and transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Vidhan Sabha adopted the Amendment Act on March 28, 2024.
- The Act aims to enhance water pollution control measures.
- New regulations for the mining sector promote transparency.
- All mining entities must register to ensure compliance.
- Robust digital monitoring will track mining operations.
Chandigarh, March 28 (NationPress) - On the final day of its session, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha approved the resolution introduced by Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh to enact the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024.
With this resolution, Punjab has officially adopted the Act. Ravjot Singh remarked that the original Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was established by Parliament in 1974 to combat water pollution and preserve water quality.
He noted that the Vidhan Sabha, adhering to Article 252 of the Constitution, enacted the original Act via a resolution on February 3, 1975.
Furthermore, the Vidhan Sabha adopted the Amendment Act of 1978 through a resolution on October 15, 1979.
In addition, the Amendment Act of 1988 was adopted by the Vidhan Sabha with a resolution dated April 9, 1992.
Ravjot Singh emphasized that this latest Amendment Act, enacted by the Parliament on February 15, 2024, was first implemented in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Union Territories.
Significantly, the Act will be applicable from the date of its adoption in states that approved the resolution through the Vidhan Sabha or the legislative council.
In a pivotal step to regulate the mining and crusher industry, the Punjab government has also enacted the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units and Stockists and Retailers Bill 2025, aimed at introducing comprehensive regulations, transparency, and accountability to a sector historically marked by unregulated practices and systemic corruption, as pointed out by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora.
Arora highlighted that the Act mandates the registration of all crusher units, stockists, and retailers to oversee the mining sector.
“The new regulation requires every entity within the mining ecosystem to register, effectively ending the period of unaccounted and unregulated operations,” stated Arora, adding that each registered unit must submit monthly reports, with stringent penalties for non-compliance or inaccurate reporting.
The Act further implements robust digital monitoring via an online portal that will oversee every element of mining operations, from extraction to transportation. This transparent system aims to eradicate the long-standing issues of illegal mining and environmental harm.
