Punishment for polluting inland waters; Bill passed

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) A Bill to further develop inland water transport in the country and punish the polluting entities received Parliamentary assent with the Lok Sabha passing it by a voice vote today.

The Inland Vessels (Amendment) Bill, 2005, provides that no oil or oily mixture, hazardous chemical or obnoxious substance from a mechanically-propelled vessel shall be discharged in inland water or port.

Failure to stick to the provision would attract imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with a fine which may extend to Rs 50,000, or with both.

Any surveyor or person authorised may enter and inspect any inland port, at cargo or passenger terminal for enforcing the provision.

The Centre will have the power to make rules for prevention and control of pollution.

The Bill, which amends the Inland Vessels Act, 1917, was passed by the Rajya Sabha earlier.

Replying to the debate on the Bill in the Lower House, Surface Transport Minister T R Baalu said the Government was considering construction of new waterways in the country in view of an increase in trade and tourism.

He said the Bill sought to extend inland water limits, by amending the definition of inland water, which would result in extensive use of inland vessels which otherwise were not permitted to go beyond the prescribed limits.

It provides for insurance of vessels against third party risks, compensation for accidents and claims tribunals.

A provision has also been made for induction of suitable trained manpower from the Army, Navy and Coast Guard into inland water transport fold to address the problem of a shortage of manpower in the sector.

The other features of Bill are inclusion of dumb barges in the definition of mechanically-propelled vessels, and dividing the land water area into three zones based on maximum significant wave height criteria to facilitate safety of vessels.

The amendments were necessitated following several major developments having taken place in the inland water transport sector since the law was last amended in 1977. The developments included declaration of three waterways as national waterways, establishment of the Inland Waterways Authority of India for regulation and development of inland waterways, a considerable increase in inland water transport activity and a consequent increase in demand for trained personnel for manning of vessels.

EDS: Here pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI