Enforcement dates for certain provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023
The Central Government, through its respective ministries, has notified the date on which certain provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 will come into force. The notification states that these provisions will be effective from 1st April, 2024.
Directives for Cleaner Public Transport Services in the NCR
The CAQM has been actively engaging with NCR states to develop comprehensive action plans aimed at transitioning to cleaner and more efficient bus services in the region. The ultimate goal is to have electric vehicles (EVs) for all bus services in the NCR within five years, with the medium-term objective of adopting EVs, compressed natural gas (CNG), and BS-VI diesel buses within three years.
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates, Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Initiated
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) daily AQI Bulletin, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi crossed the ‘Moderate’ threshold and entered the ‘Poor’ category, with a reading of 212. Given the predictions of continued ‘Poor’ air quality in Delhi for the next few days, Stage-I of GRAP has been invoked immediately across the entire National Capital Region (NCR).
Applicability of Conformity of Production (COP) for CPCB II Extended Manufacturing
Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of Genset and Genset Engine models that benefit from the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2023, and MoEFCC OM dated June 22, 2023, are hereby informed that they must conduct or renew Conformity of Production (COP) tests for these models. These tests should be carried out following the relevant systems and procedures and will remain valid until June 30, 2024.
Comments Invited on Draft Framework for Generation of EPR Certificates for Key Metals
In the initial two years, EPR certificates will be generated for Gold (Au), Non-Ferrous Metals (Al and Cu), and Iron (including steel and galvanized iron). However, the EPR Certificate framework also leaves room for Rare Earth and other precious materials to be considered and incentivized under the EPR regime.
Status of Pollution Control in National Capital Region
To combat stubble burning and promote more sustainable crop residue management, the government has explored policy interventions that encourage environmentally sound practices. This includes the use of crop residue as supplementary fuel, offering additional sources of income to farmers, improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating employment opportunities.
Government revises Crop Residue Management Guidelines
As per the revised guidelines, techno-commercial pilot projects for Paddy Straw Supply Chain will be established under the bilateral agreement between the Beneficiary/Aggregator (Farmers, rural entrepreneurs, Cooperative Societies of Farmers, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Panchayats) and Industries utilizing the paddy straw.
Guidelines on Design, Construction, O&M and Annual Certification of Coal Ash Ponds
The Guidelines state that because of economic viability, thermal power stations most widely dispose both precipitated fly ash and bottom ash together as a slurry to the pond in which it stored for a longer period. Therefore safe disposal and gainful utilization are the prime concerns to safe guard the interest of environmental system.
Delhi Witnesses Improved Air Quality in First Half of 2023
During the first six months of this year, Delhi experienced a notable increase in the number of days with ‘Good to Moderate’ air quality on the AQI. In fact, excluding the period of significantly reduced anthropogenic, industrial, and commercial activities in 2020 due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the current year has witnessed the highest number of ‘Good to Moderate’ air quality days in the past eight years (2016-2023).
CPCB issues Draft Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing Units
The growth in infrastructure leads to increase in demand of raw materials, thereby resulting in the need to set up new stone crushing units or increase production from existing units. This poses a challenge to maintain the ambient air quality, which is possible if environmental guidelines predetermined by the industry concerned are followed.
