The Environment Ministry proposes to soften the provisions of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) by replacing a clause that provides for imprisoning violators with one that only requires them to pay a fine. This, however, doesnt apply to violations that cause grave injury or loss of life. The proposed fines, in lieu of imprisonment, are also 5-500 times greater than those currently levied.
The Act currently says that violators will be punishable with imprisonment up to five years or with a fine up to 1 lakh, or with both. Were violations to continue, an additional fine of up to 5,000 for every day during which such failure or contravention continues after the conviction would be levied. Theres also a provision for jail terms to extend to seven years.