Govt proposes to introduce new rules to clean up contaminated sites
To sanitise lands contaminated by hazardous substances and address critical gaps in existing environmental laws, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has proposed the Remediation of Contaminated Sites Rules, 2024.
The new rules, published on August 22, focus on sites where hazardous substances are mixed with mining waste, bio-medical waste, or municipal solid waste, and where contamination levels exceed specified thresholds.
The MoEFCC’s proposal aligns with the “polluter pays” principle, ensuring that those responsible for environmental damage bear the cost of the cleanup.
These new rules are designed to address shortcomings in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016; and the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
According to the ministry’s draft notification, the rules will not apply to sites contaminated by radioactive materials, abandoned mines, or oil spills, which are governed by other specific legislation.
Sursa foto: business-standard.com, aici
