The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Madhya Pradesh Amendment Act, 2023
The newly inserted section 13A empowers police officers, not below the rank of Sub-Inspector or authorized by the State Government, to seize any material or article used as a subject or means of a hookah bar if they have reason to believe that the provisions of section 4A have been or are being contravened. Overall, the amendments aim to strengthen the enforcement of regulations related to hookah bars and enhance the penalties for contravening these regulations.
CPCB Grants Recognition to Additional Environmental Laboratories and Government Analysts
Environmental laboratories play a pivotal role in monitoring and analyzing air, water, and other substances to assess pollution levels and environmental quality. The appointment of Government Analysts further ensures that the analysis of samples adheres to stringent standards, contributing to the overall effectiveness of environmental protection measures.
GRAP Stage-III Revoked Following Significant Progress
The AQI of Delhi has been progressively on the rise, which is 55 points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage-III actions (Delhi AQI 401-450). The forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) suggests a likelihood of sustained improvement in AQI, remaining in the Very Poor/Poor category in the next few days.
CPCB categorizes Tyre Pyrolysis Oil Industries under its Harmonization of Classification of Industrial Sectors
The categorization of TPO industries into red, orange, green, and white categories will enable better regulation and control of the environmental impact of these facilities. All SPCBs and PCCs have been directed to adopt and implement this classification for Tyre Pyrolysis Oil industries.
Guidelines on Management of Pyro-metallurgical Slags
The guidelines also outline specific areas where iron and steel slags can be used, such as cement production, aggregate in cement-concrete, and construction of roads and railways. Iron and Steel plants intending to use slag for other purposes are required to submit proposals to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committees (PCC).
Government Amends Ash Utilization Notification to Promote Eco-Friendly Practices
The Central Government is promoting the eco-friendly use of ash, especially in ash-based products manufactured by micro and small enterprises. These amendments seek to foster sustainable practices and utilize industrial by-products for constructive purposes. The move aims to strike a balance between environmental conservation and supporting small businesses engaged in ash-based product manufacturing.
Inauguration of ‘AVHAN-2023’ Disaster Management Training Camp
The Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of Universities inaugurated the 10-day state level Disaster Management Training Camp ‘AVHAN-2023’ starting from today at Gondwana University, Gadchiroli through online mode from Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
Government Issues Insecticides (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2023
This amendment aims to enhance the qualifications required for the roles of pest control operators within the ambit of insecticides regulation, ensuring a more informed and skilled workforce in the sector. The additional proviso mandates that individuals must have passed Class 12th or Higher Secondary Certificate Examination from a recognized Board or University.
Goa SPCB Issues Directions On Installation of OEMS
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has issued a circular specifying further directions for installation of On-Line Effluent Monitoring Systems (OEMS) and Emission Monitoring Systems. These installations should be certified by institutions such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) and Technical Inspection Association (TUV). This shall be in force till Indian certifications are established.
National Transit Pass System (NTPS) for Seamless Forest Produce Transit Across India
The NTPS is set to replace the current system of state-specific transit permits with a unified, online “One Nation-One Pass” regime, simplifying the transportation process and contributing to the ease of doing business. Designed for user convenience, the NTPS features desktop and mobile applications for easy registration and permit applications. Users
