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.
New Rules for Water Pollution Cases
The rules provide that complaints can be filed electronically, by speed post, or in person. Adjudicating officers are required to initiate inquiries within 30 days of receiving a complaint. The entire inquiry process, including evidence gathering and decision-making, must be completed within six months.
Environment Protection (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024
The Central Pollution Board, State Pollution Control Boards, Pollution Control Committees, Commission for Air Quality Management and Integrated Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in their respective jurisdictions, through their authorized Officers, or any other persons, may file a complaint in Form-I through electronic means or speed post or by hand to the adjudicating officer regarding any contravention committed under sections 7, 8 , 9, 10 and 11 of the Act.
New Environmental Compensation Rates for Stubble Burning: Key Changes You Need to Know
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (Imposition, Collection and Utilization of Environmental Compensation for Stubble Burning) Amendment Rules, 2024.make key changes in how environmental compensation is imposed on farmers for being, a major contributor to air pollution in the region.
The Environment Protection (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024: A New Step Towards Environmental Justice
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the Environment Protection (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024.
New Guidelines for E-Waste Processing Capacity Determination For Recyclers
The processing capacity of an e-waste recycling facility will be determined based on the capacity of the maximum hourly capacity of installed machinery and equipment, considering a maximum of 20 hours of operation per day. SPCBs/PCCs will grant CTOs specifying the annual processing capacity in terms of the weight of e-waste that the facility can handle. Standalone dismantling facilities can be allowed, but the recycler must take responsibility for the flow of materials and report it in their annual return.
