The Indian government has reinforced its commitment to environmental protection and industrial safety through stringent legislation and monitoring mechanisms. Several key acts and initiatives are in place to mitigate pollution, safeguard public health, and prevent industrial accidents. A press release was issued on December 16, 2024.
Key legislation forming the backbone of India’s environmental protection efforts include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These acts empower the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to implement rules and directives aimed at environmental preservation.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) plays a crucial role by notifying “Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants from various Industries” under the Environment Protection Rules, 1986. These standards, along with general standards applicable where specific ones are unavailable, are enforced by the respective SPCBs/PCCs.
A significant step towards enhanced monitoring is the mandatory installation of Online Continuous Effluent/Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) for 17 categories of high pollution potential industries and common waste treatment facilities. This system allows for real-time, 24/7 monitoring of pollutant levels. Data is transmitted online to the CPCB and relevant SPCBs/PCCs. Critically, the system is designed to automatically generate SMS alerts to the industrial unit, SPCB, and CPCB if pollutant levels exceed prescribed norms, enabling swift corrective action and regulatory intervention.
In response to a 2021 directive from the National Green Tribunal, the MoEF&CC and CPCB have developed an “Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety.” This framework addresses potential accident scenarios such as chemical spills, fires, and explosions, offering guidance to industries on conducting safety audits in accordance with Indian Standard IS:14489:2018. The framework complements the existing Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (MSIHC) Rules, 1989, which mandate safety audits, on-site and off-site emergency plans, and regular mock drills. Enforcement of the MSIHC Rules and Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Rules falls under the purview of the Chief Inspector of Factories (CIF)/Director of Industrial Safety & Health (DISH) of the respective States/UTs.
Worker safety is also a priority, with the Factories Act, 1948, ensuring occupational safety, health, and welfare in registered factories. Factory owners and managers are legally obligated to adhere to the Act’s provisions, with state-level Chief Inspectors of Factories/Directorates of Industrial Safety and Health empowered to take action against violators.
These comprehensive measures demonstrate the Indian government’s commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental protection and the safety of its citizens and workforce. The combination of robust legislation, advanced monitoring technologies, and stringent enforcement mechanisms aims to create a more sustainable and secure industrial landscape.
