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The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) has recently ordered closure of many polluting units in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere, but such a 'drastic' step could soon be the last resort if the government finally legislates a proposed law which imposes heavy fines on violators instead of shutting them down altogether. The proposed law provides for an increase in the existing penalty from Rs 1 lakh to a minimum Rs 5 crore and imprisonment up to seven years for causing'substantial' environmental damage. It also has provisions of imposing fine up to Rs 20 crore and extending the imprisonment to life term in certain cases where the polluting industries cause damage to larger areas.