UP Government Notifies Water Act Amendment 2024: A Major Step Towards Decriminalization and Ease of Doing Business

In a significant move to streamline environmental regulations and promote a business-friendly environment, the Uttar Pradesh Government has officially notified the application of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 (Central Act No. 5 of 2024). The notification, bearing No. 1494/LXXXI-6&2025(1825635), was Dated, Lucknow, September 18, 2025, and confirms the Act’s applicability across the entire state.

The Purpose of the 2024 Amendment Act

Focus on Decriminalization and Streamlining

The central objective behind the Parliament-enacted Amendment Act, 2024, which was notified on February 15, 2024, is two-fold:

1. To decriminalize various provisions within the parent legislation, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (Act 6 of 1974).
2. To significantly facilitate ease of doing business for various industries and entities operating in the country.

Furthermore, the amendment specifically aims to streamline the process of nomination for the Chairman of State Pollution Control Boards, a key administrative change for environmental governance.

Uttar Pradesh Adopts the Central Law

The Constitutional Process under Article 252

For a Central Act to apply to a state legislature’s domain (like water, which can fall under environmental regulation), the state legislature must adopt it. Uttar Pradesh followed the precise legal mechanism outlined in clause (1) of Article 252 of the Constitution (read with clause (2)).

The process was swiftly completed by the state legislature:

• The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly adopted the Amendment Act on August 11, 2025.
• The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council subsequently adopted it on August 12, 2025, by passing the necessary resolution.

Immediate Effect and Scope of Application

The notification confirms that following the legislative adoption, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh was pleased to formally notify the application of the Act.

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 (No. 5 of 2024) is now applicable in the whole of State of Uttar Pradesh.
• The Act is deemed effective from August 12, 2025, the date the Legislative Council completed the adoption process.

The notification was issued By order of ANIL KUMAR, Pramukh Sachiv, confirming the official implementation of this significant legal change across Uttar Pradesh.