India Unveils Updated Biodiversity Plan at COP 16
India unveiled its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) at the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The document, released during a special event on October 30, 2024, outlines a roadmap for India’s biodiversity conservation efforts aligned with the global Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Strict Enforcement of GRAP in Delhi-NCR to Combat Air Pollution
Over 7,000 Construction and Demolition (C&D) sites were inspected, leading to penalties and closures for non-compliance. Approximately 1,400 industries were inspected, and actions were taken against violators. Around 1,300 DG sets were inspected, and non-compliant units were penalized.
Micro And Small Producers Of Plastic Exempted From EPR Obligations For 2023-2024
The Indian government has exempted micro and small producers from Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for plastic waste for the financial year 2023-24. Despite the exemption, these producers are still required to file their Annual Returns for the financial year 2023-24.
Complete Ban on Firecrackers in Delhi: DPCC Directive
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) issued a significant directive to enforce a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and bursting of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Draft Environmental Standards Proposed For Aluminium Plants
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released a draft notification proposing amendments to Schedule I of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. These amendments focus on stricter emission limits for Particulate Matter (PM), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Total Fluoride (F) for various processes within aluminum production facilities.
Clarification on Processing Fees for Consent to Establish/Operate by Punjab Pollution Control Board
Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) issued a notification clarifying the processing fee structure for obtaining Consent to Establish or Operate
Government Takes Action to Curb Stubble Burning
A high-level inter-ministerial meeting was convened to address the pressing issue of crop residue burning, particularly paddy stubble burning, which significantly contributes to air pollution, especially in regions like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR. State governments of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR presented their strategies to mitigate stubble burning. These include providing financial incentives to farmers for adopting alternative crop residue management practices, such as in-situ management and conversion into value-added products.
New Biological Diversity Rules, 2024: Key Highlights and Implications
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024
CPCB Introduces Provisional Certification for PM2.5 Samplers
This certification will be granted based on the performance of these samplers in tests conducted for specific parameters. The pass/fail criteria for these parameters will be determined based on the CPCB guideline no. 102946/2023/AQMN-HO.
CPCB Warns Against Plastic Rule Violations in Tender Documents
The CPCB has urged State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to ensure compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules in tender documents issued by government bodies under their jurisdiction. The CPCB has requested SPCBs to conduct regular checks to ensure certified compostable plastic manufacturers comply with the conditions of their certificates. These conditions include mandatory labeling of products with “COMPOSTABLE IS/ISO 17088 Certified” and a QR code linking to manufacturer details and certificate information.
