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.
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates, Commission Invokes Emergency Measures
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been steadily rising, reaching a concerning 379 by 4 PM on December 16, 2024. Forecasts predict the AQI to remain in the “Very Poor” to “Severe” category in the coming days due to unfavorable weather conditions. This has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas to invoke emergency measures under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
