State pollution control boards power curtailed

A directive from the Union ministry of environment and forest has curtailed the state pollution control boards power to act against the violators of environment clearance norms under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

A directive from the Union ministry of environment and forest has curtailed the state pollution control boards power to act against the violators of environment clearance norms under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

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The office order signed by MoEF Director Dr Sunita V Auluck has now authorized monitoring cell in the ministry to act against the violations.

The monitoring cell in the IA (impact assessment) is the nodal point for monitoring and compliance of the stipulated conditions imposed on the industrial units/infrastructural projects including CRZ (coastal regulating zone), while granting environment clearance, the order mentions.

The ministry through the order makes it clear that the vital issues like final direction with closure of the units or projects should be done with the approval of secretary environment and forest.

Also, in regards to the final direction without closure of the project or units should be done with approval of additional-secretary incharge of Impact assessment division.