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.
India Disputes Global Air Quality Report, Highlights Domestic Efforts
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised concerns over the methodology used in the World Air Quality Report 2023, which ranked Indian cities among the most polluted globally. The ministry emphasized that the report relied heavily on data from low-cost sensors, which are not officially recognized for regulatory purposes by many countries.
Draft Notifications Streamline Pollution Control Consents for Industries
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed new draft notifications to simplify the consent process for certain industries. These notifications aim to reduce duplication and ease the burden on businesses. They propose to exempt certain categories of industries/activities from dual compliance of Consent to Establish (CTE)/Consent to Operate (CTO) and Environmental Clearance (EC).
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.
Goa State PCB Notifies Additional Dismantlers Of E-Waste
GSPCB has authorized new units for E-waste dismantling. Bulk consumers are called to regularly dispose of E-waste through these authorized channels.
Goa SPCB Directs Continuous Monitoring In Industries & Other Establishments
According to GSPCB directions, steel plants in the Red & Orange Category must install Online Continuous Stack Emission Monitoring Systems(OCEMS) and Continuous Ambient Air Monitoring stations by 31st August 2024. Additionally, industries, establishments, hotels, common STPs, commercial establishments, residential complexes, and educational institutions with ETPs of 50 KLD and above, and STPs of 100 KLD and above, must install an online water quality monitoring system by 31st August 2024.
New Industrial Siting Guidelines Issued In Telangana
Minimum distances from rivers, lakes, and notified water bodies are specified for different industry categories based on pollution potential. Industries near scattered houses (less than 40 or population of 200) might require additional safeguards based on project specifics. Projects within 500 meters of a water body require a NOC from the Irrigation and Command Area Development (I&CAD) department to ensure no obstruction of natural drainage.
CPCB Holds Video Conferencing Meetings to Address EPR Issues in Battery Waste Management
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced the initiation of video conferencing (VC) meetings to tackle issues pertaining to the registration of Producers and Recyclers, as well as matters concerning Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) credits/certificate generation and transfer.
CPCB Directs States To Take Action Against Defaulting Battery Waste Recyclers
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/ Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to issue notices to all battery waste recyclers who have not uploaded requisite documents/ invoices for generation of EPR credits on the EPR Portal, suspend/ withdraw/ cancel CTO of defaulting waste battery recyclers and verify documents/ invoices/ information uploaded by battery waste recyclers on the EPR portal.
CPCB Issues Draft SOP on Assessment of Plastic Waste Generation
The Draft SOP provides a comprehensive methodology for assessing plastic waste generation and characterizing different types of plastic packaging. It also outlines procedures for validating data reported by local bodies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the reporting process.
