Information, reports or returns
The Central Government may, in relation to its function under this Act, from time to time, require any person, officer, State Government or other authority to furnish to it or any prescribed authority or officer any reports, returns, statistics, accounts and other information and such person, officer, State Government or other authority shall be bound to do so.
In plain English
What this section actually means
Section 20 is the data-call power. The Centre can require any person — including a State Government — to furnish reports, returns, statistics, accounts or 'other information'. The duty to furnish is mandatory ('shall be bound to do so'). Failure attracts Section 15.
This is the statutory basis for the various environment statements, annual reports, online monitoring data uploads and pollution-load returns that industry has to file with CPCB and SPCBs. It is also the route by which the Centre obtains State-level compliance data.
Real life
What this looks like in real life
Industry refuses to upload OCEMS data
Setup. A pulp-and-paper mill switches off its Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) data feed to CPCB, citing 'technical issues' that persist for three months.
What the law does. OCEMS reporting is required by CPCB directions under Section 20 read with Section 5. Non-furnishing is a breach. Section 15 prosecution lies; the SPCB can also issue a Section 5 closure direction until reporting resumes.
Frequently asked
Questions about Section 20
Open this section in the source PDF
Environment Protection Act, 1986.pdf
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