Govt May Hike Environment Damage Penalty From Rs 1 Lakh to 5 Crore

At present, a violator has to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh and faces imprisonment up to five years. (Photo: iStockphoto)

The Centre is reportedly planning to introduce an amendment Bill proposing to scale up the fine to a minimum of Rs 5 crore from Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment of up to seven years for causing ‘substantial’ environmental damage.

At present, a violator has to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh and faces imprisonment up to five years (can be extended to seven years in certain cases) on conviction. In case the violation continues, the offender has to pay an additional fine up to Rs 5,000 a day during which the contravention continues.  

<i><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/the-good-earth/Green-penalty-may-go-up-from-Rs-1-lakh-to-Rs-5-crore/articleshow/51577298.cms">The Times of India</a></i>

A report in The Times of India suggests that “the government has moved to ease what has been described as “green tape” and make clearances faster and more transparent…”. The report continues to suggest that the government also expects “industries to adhere to the law or face stiff penalties if caught violating regulations.”

Read the full report here.