Guwahati, 8th February: The Assam Assembly recently approved a resolution granting Parliament the authority to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary introduced the resolution, paving the way for the Centre to present the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2023 in Parliament.
While the resolution garnered acceptance from the opposition, concerns were raised, prompting calls for modifications. AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam emphasized that Assam should receive a portion of fines imposed for violations of pollution regulations. Similarly, CPI(M) member Manoranjan Talukdar advocated for more stringent measures, suggesting that decriminalizing offenses and imposing fines alone might not sufficiently deter violators.
Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi and Congress member Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha echoed Talukdar’s sentiments, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed amendments in curbing pollution by corporate entities.
In response, Minister Patowary argued that criminalizing and incarcerating pollution offenders could discourage micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from operating. He defended the proposed amendments as a balance between environmental protection and fostering a conducive business environment.
Speaker Biswajit Daimary facilitated a voice vote on the resolution after accommodating the opposition’s request for incorporation of their suggestions. The resolution was subsequently passed by the House, marking a significant step towards addressing water pollution concerns in Assam.
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