Government Amends Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
This sub-rule, which dealt with the constitution of a Central Coordination Committee, has been removed. Sub-rule (9) of Rule 13 has been amended to specify that any person who fails to comply with the provisions of these rules shall be liable to a penalty under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
New Rules for Selection and Tenure of State Pollution Control Board Chairpersons
The Chairperson must possess special knowledge or practical experience in environmental protection or administration. The Chairperson will hold office for a maximum of three years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Removal from office can occur under specific circumstances, such as misconduct, incapacity, or financial interest conflicts.
Gurugram Offices Encouraged to Implement Work-from-Home Amidst Air Quality Concerns
Private offices are encouraged to shift their employees to work-from-home arrangements to minimize traffic congestion and pollution. The move is expected to reduce vehicular emissions and contribute to the overall improvement of air quality in the region. It is important to note that the duration of the work-from-home advisory will depend on the prevailing air quality conditions and further directives from the authorities.
PIBOs Reminded to File Annual Returns by November 30
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a reminder to all Plastic Waste Management (PWM) rules, 2016, registered Plastic Waste Management Companies (PWMCs) and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to file their Annual Returns (AR) for the financial year 2023-24 by November 30, 2024.
Ministry of Defence Introduces Solid Waste Management Rules For Ambala, Bareilly, Roorkee, Ayodhya and Dehradun
The Ministry of Defence has introduced Solid Waste Management Bye-laws for Ambala, Bareilly, Roorkee, Ayodhya and Dehradun. The new bye-laws aim at ensuring efficient and sustainable waste disposal practices within the cantonment areas. These bye-laws emphasize source segregation, proper storage, collection, and disposal of solid waste.
Emergency Measures Implemented As Delhi’s Air Quality Plummets
Citing unfavorable meteorological conditions, the Sub-Committee for operationalizing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) convened an emergency meeting. Observing the rising AQI and forecasts for further deterioration, the Sub-Committee has invoked all actions under Stage-IV of GRAP – ‘Severe+’ Air Quality, effective November 18, 2024, at 8:00 AM.
CAQM Reviews Implementation of GRAP to Combat Air Pollution in NCR
A review meeting was held by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to discuss the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR). The meeting underscored the importance of strict enforcement of GRAP measures, especially during the upcoming winter season. A press release on this meeting was issued on November 16, 2024.
New Rules for Air Pollution Adjudication in India
The rules detail procedures for filing complaints, holding inquiries, and imposing penalties for contraventions of the Act. They empower adjudicating officers to enforce penalties for violations that harm air quality. If a contravention is proven, adjudicating officers can impose penalties under the Act. All penalties collected will be credited to the Environment Protection Fund.
Ministry of Defence Publishes Solid Waste Management Bye-laws For Several Cantonment Boards
These bye laws have been notified for the cantonments of Fatehgarh, Shahjahanpur, and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh and Clement, Chakrata, and Ranikhet in Uttarrakhand. The bye-laws state that all waste generators, including households, commercial establishments, and institutions, are required to segregate waste into three categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and hazardous waste.
CAQM Emphasizes Strict Enforcement of GRAP to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi
All relevant departments and agencies have been instructed to strictly adhere to the directions issued by the CAQM. The meeting also focused on strict discipline and measures to guard against unauthorized/ haphazard parking of private vehicles on metaled roads, markets, public spaces etc. leading to vehicular congestion and high levels of pollution, particularly in winters and called for strict action against violators including for violations of Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate regime.
