Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Polity
Topic: Bills & Amendments.
Context: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 aims to amend the Act enacted under Article 252 of the Constitution.
Key highlights:
- It empowers the Central Government to exempt certain industrial plants from restrictions on new outlets and discharges.
- It allows for the nomination of State Pollution Control Board chairpersons and the issuance of guidelines for industry establishment consent.
- Penalty amounts will be credited to the Environmental Protection Fund established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Appeals against adjudicating officer orders can be made to the National Green Tribunal.
 (For Mains)
| Article 252: Empower Parliament to legislate on any matters with respect to which it lacks legislative power except as provided in articles 249 and 250.
 Article 249 and Article 250 empower Parliament to legislate on matter in State List in the national interest and if Proclamation of Emergency is in operation |
Institution in News (Prelims)
| National Green Tribunal:·                    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, of 2010.
·                    The NGT is tasked with disposing of applications or appeals within six months of filing. ·                    The NGT has jurisdiction over environmental protection, conservation of forests, and natural resource matters, operating with appellate powers. ·                    It is not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure but adheres to principles of natural justice. |
