Why in the News?
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The Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 were announced by the Union Environment Ministry.
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This is the first legal framework for the scientific identification, evaluation, and remediation of chemically contaminated sites in India.
The Regulations
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Legal Foundation
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Developed in accordance with the 1986 Environment (Protection) Act.
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Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the notification source.
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Scope
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Oversees, evaluates, and cleans up chemically contaminated sites all over India.
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Goals
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Provide a legally binding, time-bound system for:
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locating contaminated areas.
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evaluation of contamination levels by scientists.
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cleanup and remediation actions.
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respects the “Polluter Pays” theory.
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protects public health and the environment.
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A Contaminated Site: What is it?
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Locations contaminated by the disposal of hazardous or chemical waste, resulting in long-term:
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soil contamination
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water contamination
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air contamination
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Examples
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deserted landfills
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areas where chemicals can spill
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illegal disposal sites for hazardous waste
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closed or abandoned industrial areas
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Important Clauses
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Identification and Monitoring of the Site
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District officials need to:
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Report suspected contaminated sites every two years.
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State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):
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After receiving the report, conduct a preliminary assessment within ninety days.
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Complete Verification & Repair
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Sites have 180 days to be thoroughly assessed and verified.
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A remediation plan is created by an expert reference organisation.
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Accountability and Liability
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Identification of Polluters
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Within ninety days, SPCBs will identify the polluter.
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Cleaning Expense
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The principle of polluter pays was used.
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The Centre and States split the cost of cleanup if the polluter is untraceable or insolvent.
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Penalties under the Law
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Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) enforces criminal liability if environmental or human harm is demonstrated.
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Openness and Compliance
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Establishment of a National Contaminated Materials Inventory websites.
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The state of cleanup is made public.
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Remedial efforts must be audited annually.
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Importance for Environmental Management
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Closes the Policy Gap
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Gives the CPCB’s list of contaminated sites legal support.
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Enforces Polluter Pays
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Deadlines and fines that are enforceable by law.
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Worldwide Alignment
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Encourages the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations:
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SDG 6: Sanitation and clean water
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SDG 3: Well-being and good health
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SDG 12: Waste management and responsible consumption.
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