India’s Transformative Initiatives On Cleanliness as a Cornerstone of Good Governance
The Special Campaign 4.0, a series of initiatives ongoing since 2021, embodies the government’s focus on institutionalizing cleanliness. Between December 2023 and July 2024, the campaign achieved notable results, demonstrating the link between cleanliness and economic efficiency. At Kandla Port in Gujarat, clearing auctioned cooling tower scrap freed up valuable space, streamlining port operations and improving cargo handling efficiency.
Delhi’s Air Quality Improves: Stage-IV Restrictions Lifted
The air quality in Delhi has shown a significant improvement, prompting authorities to revoke the harshest restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This decision follows directions from the Supreme Court and aims to balance public health concerns with economic considerations.
Environment Relief Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2024
The Central Government has announced amendments to the Environment Relief Fund Scheme, 2008, through the Environment Relief Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2024. These amendments introduce several key changes to the management and utilization of the fund. The Relief Fund is now explicitly vested in the Central Government.
India Streamlines Environmental Clearances to Boost Ease of Doing Business
To reduce redundancy and streamline approvals, the Central Government has amended Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981, and Section 25 of the Water Act, 1974. Notifications dated November 12, 2024 have been issued to exempt certain categories of industries from obtaining consents. Specifically, “white” category industries are completely exempted from the consent mechanism, while other categories are exempted from CTE if the project has already received environmental clearance under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
India Strengthens E-Waste Management with New Action Plan
The rules introduced an improved Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime, requiring manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers to register on a dedicated portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This move seeks to formalize the e-waste recycling sector, bringing informal operators into a regulated framework and ensuring environmentally sound recycling practices.
Environmental Labs Gear Up for 37th Quality Control Exercise
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced the organization of the 37th Analytical Quality Control (AQC) Exercise for environmental laboratories across India. This program, scheduled for January 2025, aims to ensure the accuracy and reliability of environmental data by testing laboratories’ ability to analyze water and soil samples for various chemical and physical parameters.
India Strengthens Environmental and Industrial Safety Regulations
A significant step towards enhanced monitoring is the mandatory installation of Online Continuous Effluent/Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) for 17 categories of high pollution potential industries and common waste treatment facilities. This system allows for real-time, 24/7 monitoring of pollutant levels. Data is transmitted online to the CPCB and relevant SPCBs/PCCs. Critically, the system is designed to automatically generate SMS alerts to the industrial unit, SPCB, and CPCB if pollutant levels exceed prescribed norms, enabling swift corrective action and regulatory intervention.
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates, Commission Invokes Emergency Measures
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been steadily rising, reaching a concerning 379 by 4 PM on December 16, 2024. Forecasts predict the AQI to remain in the “Very Poor” to “Severe” category in the coming days due to unfavorable weather conditions. This has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas to invoke emergency measures under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Draft EPR Rules for Packaging Made From Paper, Glass, Metal And Sanitary Products
The draft rules aim to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable packaging practices. The rules expand the scope of EPR to include a wider range of entities, including producers, importers, brand owners, and waste processors.
Stage IV and III of Graded Response Action Plan Revoked As Delhi’s Air Quality Improves
Delhi’s air quality has shown significant improvement, leading to the revocation of Stage IV and Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), according to a press release issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
