In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 4, clause 4 of the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution

## Report on Reconstitution of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding the reconstitution of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee. The notification, dated November 14, 2022, effectively replaces the previously constituted committee (S.O. 787 E, dated 10.03.1992 and S.O. 777 E, dated 19.07.1995) with a newly defined structure and membership. Key findings highlight a revised committee composition designed to enhance environmental governance and regulatory oversight within the Union Territory of Puducherry. This report details the changes and their potential impact on industries operating within the region. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the CPCB's notification regarding the reconstitution of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee, based solely on the text of the provided notification. This analysis aims to clarify the changes introduced and their implications for affected industries and stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** This is an amendment through reconstitution. The original policy is the establishment and operation of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee, initially defined by Notification S.O.787 E, dated 10.03.1992. The notification was amended vide S.O.777 E, dated 19.07.1995, and the committee's name was changed on 01.01.2008. The core objective of the initial policy, inferred from the amending notification, is to establish a body responsible for preventing and controlling water and air pollution within the Union Territory of Puducherry, as mandated by the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. **4. Background and Rationale:** The reason for this specific amendment (reconstitution) is not explicitly stated in the notification. However, the act of reconstituting the committee suggests a need for a revised approach to pollution control in Puducherry. This could stem from a desire to include more relevant expertise, streamline operations, address evolving environmental challenges, or ensure better representation of key stakeholders. The new composition likely aims to improve the effectiveness of the committee in fulfilling its mandate. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification primarily focuses on the composition of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The notification rescinds the previously existing committee structure defined by Notification S.O.787 E, dated 10.03.1992 and S.O. 777 E, dated 19.07.1995. * **New Rule/Provision:** A new committee is established with a defined membership including: 1. Secretary to Government, Science Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry (Chairman) 2. Director, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry (Member) 3. Director of Industries Commerce, Government of Puducherry (Member) 4. Director of Local Administration Department, Government of Puducherry (Member) 5. Transport Commissioner, Transport Department, Government of Puducherry (Member) 6. Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Puducherry (Member) 7. Commissioner, Oulgaret Municipality, Government of Puducherry (Member) 8. Medical Superintendent (Member) 9. Deputy Director General of Forests C, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Member) 10. Dr. S. Sureender, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry CII, Puducherry (Expert Member) 11. Dr. M. P. Ramanujam, ConsultantSempadugai Nanneeragm (Expert Member) 12. Dr. R. Saravanane, Professor Director IPR, Department of Civil Engineering, Puducherry, Technological University (Member) 13. Member Secretary or his nominee, CPCB, Delhi (Member) 14. Managing Director, Puducherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation PIPDIC, Government of Puducherry (Member) 15. Senior Environmental Engineer, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Puducherry (Member Secretary) * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The reconstituted committee features a broader range of representation from government departments, expert members from industry and academia, and a representative from the CPCB. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) presence is a key change. This will likely lead to a more informed and holistic approach to pollution control, potentially leading to changes in enforcement and permitting. This reconstitution is effective immediately. The new committee retains the powers delegated to the previous committee as defined in S.O.787 E, dated 10.03.1992. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this reconstitution include: * **Industries operating within the Union Territory of Puducherry:** They are subject to the regulations and oversight of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee. * **Government agencies within Puducherry:** Specifically, the departments represented on the committee, including Science, Technology and Environment, Industries and Commerce, Local Administration, Transport, and Health and Family Welfare Services. * **The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):** The CPCB maintains oversight and coordination with the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee. * **The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Puducherry chapter:** The inclusion of the CII Chairman as an expert member means that the organized industrial voice will be directly represented on the committee. * **The Public in Puducherry:** Changes in environmental regulations and enforcements will directly impact the health and welfare of the Puducherry population. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing the reconstitution. The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee is responsible for implementing the relevant pollution control measures. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification states that the reconstitution is effective immediately. The newly formed committee assumes all powers previously delegated to the original committee. The practical implementation will involve the new committee convening and assuming its responsibilities. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this reconstitution is to enhance the effectiveness of pollution control efforts in Puducherry. The inclusion of a broader range of expertise and representation from government departments and industry stakeholders could lead to: * Improved regulatory oversight and enforcement. * More informed decision-making regarding environmental issues. * Greater collaboration between government, industry, and other stakeholders. * Increased awareness and adoption of environmentally sound practices within the industrial sector. * A potential shift in priorities or approaches to pollution control. Industries should prepare for potential scrutiny as the reconstituted committee begins its work. * CII, which has a role as a representative of Indian Industry on the committee, may seek to influence policy and regulatory development. **9. Conclusion:** The reconstitution of the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee represents a significant step toward strengthening environmental governance within the Union Territory. The changes in committee composition, particularly the inclusion of industry expertise and a broader range of government representation, suggest a desire for a more collaborative and effective approach to pollution control. Industries operating in Puducherry should closely monitor the actions of the reconstituted committee and engage proactively to ensure compliance and contribute to sustainable environmental practices.

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