Guidelines On Authorization of EPRETP Operator And Functioning Of EPRETP
To facilitate the trading of EPR certificates, MoEF&CC has mandated the development of an Electronic Trading Platform (ETP). Operators of the ETP must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including financial stability, technological capability, and operational expertise. The ETP will ensure fair and transparent trading of certificates, aiding obligated entities in meeting their EPR targets.
Kerala Government Imposes Restrictions on Tree Cutting
Kerala Government Imposes Restrictions on Tree Cutting
Delhi Air Quality Shows Improvement, Stage III Graded Response Action Plan Revoked
Favorable weather conditions and recent rainfall have led to a significant improvement in Delhi’s AQI. Based on these improvements, CAQM has revoked Stage III actions under the revised GRAP for Delhi. However, Stage I and II actions remain in effect and will be strictly implemented by all concerned authorities in the NCR region.
Punjab Issues Clarification on Environmental Clearance for In-House Glue Manufacturing in Plywood Units
Plywood units that produce their own Phenol Formaldehyde and Melamine Formaldehyde resins are subject to the EIA Notification and require prior EC. Plywood units that purchase ready-made Phenol Formaldehyde and Melamine Formaldehyde resins from external suppliers are exempt from obtaining EC under the EIA Notification.
Plastic Waste Processors Must Upload Valid GST e-Invoices on EPR Portal
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued instructions requiring Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) to upload valid GST e-Invoices for the sale of their products on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal for plastic packaging. The CPCB emphasizes the importance of thoroughly checking GST e-Invoices before uploading them to the EPR portal.
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.
