Uttarakhand Adopts Central Water Policy, Hefty Fines for Pollution

Uttarakhand has officially adopted the Central Government's Water Policy 2024 to strictly regulate water usage and curb pollution. This move follows repeated warnings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about rising pollution in the state's rivers and industrial areas.

The revised policy aims to make pollution control more transparent and effective, especially for industrial units. It replaces criminal prosecution for minor cases with stiff financial penalties for violations of water usage or pollution norms.

The new rules impose hefty fines. Minor offenses will be penalized between 5,000 and 10,000, while serious offenses can incur penalties up to Rs. 15 lakhs. Failure to pay can result in double the penalty or up to three years of imprisonment. An Adjudicating Officer (Joint Secretary rank or above) will decide on cases of violation. Those penalized can appeal to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) but must deposit 10% of the fine upfront. This framework is expected to significantly improve accountability and monitoring among industrial units.