India, April 7 -- Polluting industries in the state will likely have to pay higher bank guarantees and fines, as the state environment department plans stricter norms to increase the responsibility of such entities.

A committee has been formed to submit a report detailing the new bank guarantee structure and the revised fine to be levied by the Environment Department, officials said. The committee will submit the draft report in three months.

Officials said the revised policy is also proposing to introduce higher charges for industries operating in more polluted regions. "We are planning to apply more rate in those areas where pollution is more. Like in Chandrapur there is more air pollution, so there would be additional rates," an offi...