Stricter Rules Proposed for Disposal of Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound clinics and imaging centers will be required to inform authorities within seven days of disposing of old, unused or obsolete ultrasound machines or imaging machines. Renewal of licenses for facilities operating these machines will be contingent upon the proper disposal of old machines. Additionally, there will be no permission granted for addition or procurement of a new machines until old machines are disposed in prescribed manner.

Environmental Relief Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2024

The amendment provides that the Central Pollution Control Board or State Pollution Control Board or Fund Manager shall maintain proper records and documentation of the utilization of funds and shall submit annual reports to the Central Government detailing the progress of environmental remediation
activities.

New Haryana Electronics Waste Recycling Policy, 2024

The Draft Haryana Electronics Waste Recycling Policy, 2024, marks a significant stride towards sustainable e-waste management in Haryana. By addressing key areas such as IT asset disposal, household appliance waste, and environmental health hazards, the policy sets a comprehensive framework for the responsible handling of e-waste

India Takes Strong Steps Against Single-Use Plastics

The Indian government has made significant strides in its fight against single-use plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 implemented from July 1, 2022, have led to a ban on several high-littering plastic items, including plastic carry bags below a certain thickness. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) has issued a press release dated July 25, 2024, on current status of this ban.

India Disputes Global Air Quality Report, Highlights Domestic Efforts

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised concerns over the methodology used in the World Air Quality Report 2023, which ranked Indian cities among the most polluted globally. The ministry emphasized that the report relied heavily on data from low-cost sensors, which are not officially recognized for regulatory purposes by many countries.

New Agra Cantonment Board Solid Waste Management Bye-laws, 2024

On July 22, 2024, The Ministry of Defence released the Draft Agra Cantonment Board Solid Waste Management Bye-laws, 2024. They represent a significant step toward improving waste management in the area. By focusing on waste segregation, efficient collection, and proper disposal, these regulations aim to foster a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

New Draft Rules to Amend Water Pollution Control Act

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on July 19th,2024 notified the Draft Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Amendment)Rules 2024 that aim to strengthen the enforcement of water pollution laws and ensure that offenders are held accountable. Public participation is encouraged to ensure that the final rules are comprehensive and effective.

Draft Notifications Streamline Pollution Control Consents for Industries

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed new draft notifications to simplify the consent process for certain industries. These notifications aim to reduce duplication and ease the burden on businesses. They propose to exempt certain categories of industries/activities from dual compliance of Consent to Establish (CTE)/Consent to Operate (CTO) and Environmental Clearance (EC).