Question : Amendment in Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act- 1981

(a) whether the Government proposes to bring amendment to the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as the current Act in its present form does not mention or prioritise the importance of health hazard due to rise in pollution;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is unwilling to amend or enact a new legislation which empowers Central and State Pollution Control Boards to levy severe penalties for violations or incentivising industries to have better environmental standards; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a)& (b) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in 1981 in order to prevent, control and abate air pollution. As per Section 2(a) of Air (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1981 ‘air pollutant’ has been defined as ‘any solid, liquid or gaseous substance [(including noise)] present in the atmosphere in such concentration as may be or tend to be injurious to human beings or other living creatures or plants or property or environment.

(c)&(d) CPCBand SPCBs are vested with powers under The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Actand under the Environment (Protection) Act, , 1986 to issue directions for the closure, prohibition or regulation of any industry, operation or process; or stoppage or regulation of the supply of electricity or water or any other service, for protection of the environment
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