The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a significant circular on April 28, 2025, exempting Defence Industries, Defence Projects & Hospitals, Atomic Energy units, Nuclear Power Energy units, and BARC Hospitals—fully owned and operated by the Government of India—from the requirement to submit Bank Guarantees (BGs) and the applicable 12% interest penalty, with retrospective effect.
🔍 Key Highlights:
🏛️ Reference: 184th Board Meeting held on March 10, 2025
🛑 Relief Provided:
- Exemption from Bank Guarantee submission
- Waiver of 12% interest penalty for delayed BGs
🧾 Applicable To:
- Defence Industries & Projects
- Central Govt Defence Hospitals
- Atomic & Nuclear Energy Units
- BARC Hospitals (Govt-owned and operated)
⚖️ Legal Context:
- Combined consents under the Water Act (1974), Air Act (1981), and Hazardous Waste Rules (2016)
📜 Background:
- The Board, in its 182nd meeting (Feb 12, 2024), introduced a 12% interest penalty for delayed BGs
- Central Government entities cited procedural challenges in complying due to the Central Govt Guarantee Policy, 2022
- Requests were made to MPCB for exemptions, citing national importance and bureaucratic hurdles
🛡️ Rationale Behind the Decision:
The MPCB acknowledged the strategic importance and national security role of these institutions. The exemption is a response to their procedural difficulties and aligns with the Government of India’s Guarantee Policy, which complicates the issuance of BGs by such entities.
