An Environment Ministry panel has recommended amendment of the Environment Protection Act making its violation as a cognizable and non-bailable offence besides other stringent actions. The report of the committee constituted to examine the issues relating to monitoring of projects also recommended that the quantum of penalty for non compliance of the environmental clearance conditions should be enhanced sufficiently. J M Mauskar, Additional Secretary, environment ministry who heads the panel said the process of imposing penalty has to be made swifter and prompt in terms of payment of penalty. The key recommendations of the report outline how the current system comprising the Regional Offices of the ministry and state pollution control boards could be improved and made more transparent and accountable to the people.