Deadline Extended for Annual Plastic Waste Reports
The CPCB acknowledges that the EPR portal for plastic packaging underwent maintenance for security upgrades in January-March 2024, limiting access during this period. Considering this downtime, the CPCB has extended the deadline for filing annual reports for the financial year 2022-23 to May 31st, 2024.
Plastic EPR Implementation Committee Discusses Challenges and Makes Recommendations
The meeting, chaired by the CPCB Chairman, included representatives from central ministries, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and other relevant organizations. The CPCB presented an overview of EPR implementation, addressed issues related to EPR implementation and made recommendations on improving implementation of EPR regimes.
Customs Urged to Clear Importer Plastic Packaging Consignments Based on Existing Registration
CPCB is urging customs authorities to consider existing EPR certificates for importers, even if they mention a one-year validity period. These certificates should be recognized as valid one-time registrations under the amended rules.
Imported Consignments Of E-Waste Producers To Be Released On Undertaking
To avail of this extension, producers must submit a signed undertaking in the prescribed format to the customs authorities. Additionally, proof of submitting this undertaking to the CPCB at ewaste2.cpcb@gov.in is required.
Producers, Importers, Brand Owners Required to Register on EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging Waste
CPCB now mandates that all entities involved in the plastic packaging supply chain must register on the EPR Portal by May 31, 2024. This includes producers, importers, and brand owners. The notice clarifies that even if producers fail to register by the deadline, their EPR obligations remain applicable for the intervening period. The notice clarifies that even if PIBOs fail to register by the deadline, their EPR obligations remain applicable for the intervening period.
Public Input Sought on Draft Guidelines for Petrol Depots
The CPCB has prepared a draft SOP for Petrol Depots and is now seeking feedback from the public and relevant stakeholders. The CPCB encourages all interested parties to submit their comments by June 6, 2024.
CPCB Seeks Nominations for Ash Disposal Auditors for Coal Power Plants
CPCB is seeking nominations from experts affiliated with Institutes of National Importance (IITs, IISc, NITs), CSIR institutes and other central and state institutions focused on science, technology, research, and environment. Interested experts must submit nominations through their respective institution’s Director or Head by May 29, 2024.
BIS Revises Standards for Rolling Bearings, Surgical Implants and Water Testing
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued revised certain standards for Rolling Bearings, Surgical Implants and Water Testing. These notifications were published on May 7 & 9, 2024.
Delhi Breathes Easier On Account Of Improvement in Air Quality
April 2024 saw the highest number of “Good to Moderate” air quality days (23) in Delhi since 2018 (excluding the 2020 lockdown year). This surpasses figures from previous years: 17 (2023), 0 (2022), 18 (2021), 30 (2020), 12 (2019), and 8 (2018). Additionally, the number of days with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 200 (considered “Poor” to “Severe”) also significantly decreased to just 7 in April 2024.
New Industrial Siting Guidelines Issued In Telangana
Minimum distances from rivers, lakes, and notified water bodies are specified for different industry categories based on pollution potential. Industries near scattered houses (less than 40 or population of 200) might require additional safeguards based on project specifics. Projects within 500 meters of a water body require a NOC from the Irrigation and Command Area Development (I&CAD) department to ensure no obstruction of natural drainage.
