River Pollution — Legal Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Water Act Amendment	1988	Enhanced penalties for water pollution violations and strengthened powers of Pollution Control Boards to take immediate action against polluters. Introduced provisions for environmental audit and mandatory pollution control measures for industries.	Improved regulatory framework but implementation remained weak due to inadequate enforcement capacity and judicial delays in prosecution of violators.
Environment Protection Rules Amendment	2016	Revised effluent discharge standards for various industries, particularly textiles and pharmaceuticals. Introduced stricter norms for BOD, COD, and heavy metal discharge limits. Mandated zero liquid discharge for water-intensive industries in water-stressed areas.	Led to closure of several non-compliant industries but also highlighted the need for technological upgradation and financial support for small and medium enterprises to meet new standards.