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Citizens Rewarded for Reporting Env. Violations
5 Sep
Summary
- Rs 250 cash reward for geotagged photos of environmental breaches.
- WhatsApp number 9845490714 is designated for photo submissions.
- New civil penalties replace criminal prosecution for eco-offenses.
A Mangaluru-based society is incentivizing citizens to report environmental violations by offering a Rs 250 cash reward for geotagged photographs. Submissions can be made via WhatsApp to 9845490714. This program utilizes information to file complaints under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The initiative aligns with recent amendments to the Act, which have shifted from criminal prosecution to a civil penalty system. These revised provisions empower an Adjudicating Officer to impose penalties for violations concerning air and water pollution, various waste management issues, and noise pollution.
Penalties under the amended law range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15 lakh for general violations, with companies facing fines up to Rs 15 lakh. Society members allege that subordinate authorities in Karnataka are bypassing the proper channels by directly imposing and collecting fines, leading to significant alleged shortfalls in collected penalties compared to recorded offenses in recent years.
