Draft Remediation of Contaminated Sites Rules, 2024

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed draft regulations to address the remediation of contaminated sites in India. These rules aim to establish a comprehensive framework for cleaning up sites polluted by hazardous substances and ensure environmental protection.

Revised Environment Compensation for Violation of Plastic Waste Management Rules

The Environmental Compensation (EC) regime takes into account the cost incurred in managing plastic waste, which is estimated to be approximately Rs. 4000 per ton. To act as a deterrent, a deterrent factor of 2.5 is applied to the calculated EC, resulting in a total levy of Rs. 5000 per ton of plastic waste. The EC factor is inversely proportional to the collection of each category of plastic packaging waste, with higher ECs imposed for lower collection rates.

Draft Rules For Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Of Non-Ferrous Metals

Manufacturers, producers, collection agents, refurbishers, and recyclers of non-ferrous metals must register with the CPCB. The CPCB will generate EPR certificates for registered recyclers, acknowledging their contribution to recycling efforts. The validity of the extended producer responsibility certificate shall be two years from the end of the financial year in which it was generated.

India Takes Strong Steps Against Single-Use Plastics

The Indian government has made significant strides in its fight against single-use plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 implemented from July 1, 2022, have led to a ban on several high-littering plastic items, including plastic carry bags below a certain thickness. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) has issued a press release dated July 25, 2024, on current status of this ban.

Draft Environment (Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2024

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed significant amendments to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. These draft amendments aim to enhance environmental protection by strengthening enforcement mechanisms. The draft amendments were published July 18, 2024.

CPCB Issues Report on Pollution Source Mapping of River Hindon & Its Tributaries And Restoration Plan for Polluted Stretches

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a report highlighting the complex challenges associated with river rejuvenation projects in India. The report aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application for effective river rejuvenation. It focuses rejuvenation efforts to restore a river’s natural self-purification abilities, making it sustainable in the long run.

CPCB Publishes Report On Its Significant Works

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been actively working on various fronts to combat pollution and promote sustainable practices. It has published a report titled ‘Significant Works by
Central Pollution Control Board’ detailing its recent endeavors. The report specifies several initiatives undertaken by CPCB to foster environmental protection.

Government Extends Deadline for Filing E-Waste Returns

The MoEF&CC has now extended the deadline for registered entities to file quarterly and annual returns on their e-waste management activities. The last date for filing these reports for the 2023-2024 financial year is extended to June 30, 2024.