NEW DELHI, Dec 3: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a resolution by voice vote to extend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, to Manipur, which is currently under President’s Rule.

The amendment aims to decriminalise minor offences related to water pollution, replacing the fear of imprisonment for technical or procedural violations with monetary penalties in cases of continued non-compliance. It also authorises the Centre to prescribe the service conditions for chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards and exempts specific categories of industrial plants from certain statutory restrictions.

Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav moved the resolution, stating that both Houses must adopt it since Manipur is under President’s Rule. He informed the House that the bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and several state assemblies including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal have adopted it.

“Consent to Operate (CTO) and other provisions, which have already been adopted by other states, are also to be implemented by Manipur,” Yadav said, adding that the amendment is intended to support ease of living and improve ease of doing business. CTO refers to a legal authorisation issued by a State Pollution Control Board allowing industries to operate after ensuring compliance with environmental norms.

The amendment’s key objective is to rationalise criminal provisions so citizens, businesses and industries can function without fear of punitive action for minor violations. It shifts the focus from criminalisation to regulation and financial penalties.

During the debate, opposition members stressed the need for restoring democracy in Manipur. Congress MP Neeraj Dangi argued that the resolution had to be tabled because “the situation in Manipur has not improved.” Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev added that people in the state are “still living in the camps,” underscoring continuing humanitarian concerns.