The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has extended its Amnesty Scheme for industries and healthcare establishments violating air and water pollution control regulations. This circular was issued on June 27, 2024.
It may be recalled that the original Amnesty Scheme, announced in February 2024, waived a portion of penal fees for violations like delayed consent applications or operating without consent. This scheme was applicable for applications submitted between March 1 to May 31, 2024.
Considering a positive industry response, the MPCB has extended the scheme for an additional three months, from June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.
Eligibility
This extension is not applicable to units that already paid their penalties.
Industries can avail of the scheme by submitting online applications for combined consent during the extended period i.e. from June 1st – August 31st, 2024.
Payment Process
Once the MPCB provides an online payment link, industries will have 15 days to pay the reduced penalty fees.
Pending applications with unpaid penalties are also eligible, provided the fees are settled within 15 days of the online payment link activation.
This is a one-time, three-month extension ending on August 31, 2024. Standard penalty fees as per the July 2022 circular will be reinstated after the scheme concludes.
The MPCB emphasizes strict adherence to the scheme guidelines by all its officers.