Environment Relief Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2024
The Central Government has announced amendments to the Environment Relief Fund Scheme, 2008, through the Environment Relief Fund (Amendment) Scheme, 2024. These amendments introduce several key changes to the management and utilization of the fund. The Relief Fund is now explicitly vested in the Central Government.
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.
India Strengthens Environmental and Industrial Safety Regulations
A significant step towards enhanced monitoring is the mandatory installation of Online Continuous Effluent/Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) for 17 categories of high pollution potential industries and common waste treatment facilities. This system allows for real-time, 24/7 monitoring of pollutant levels. Data is transmitted online to the CPCB and relevant SPCBs/PCCs. Critically, the system is designed to automatically generate SMS alerts to the industrial unit, SPCB, and CPCB if pollutant levels exceed prescribed norms, enabling swift corrective action and regulatory intervention.
New Guidelines for E-Waste Processing Capacity Determination For Recyclers
The processing capacity of an e-waste recycling facility will be determined based on the capacity of the maximum hourly capacity of installed machinery and equipment, considering a maximum of 20 hours of operation per day. SPCBs/PCCs will grant CTOs specifying the annual processing capacity in terms of the weight of e-waste that the facility can handle. Standalone dismantling facilities can be allowed, but the recycler must take responsibility for the flow of materials and report it in their annual return.
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).
India Introduces Ecomark Certification Scheme to Promote Environment-Friendly Products
The Government of India has introduced the Ecomark Certification Scheme to encourage the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products. This scheme was introduced through the Ecomark Rules, 2024. Under these rules, products eligible for Ecomark certification must meet specific criteria related to resource consumption, waste generation, emissions, and overall environmental impact.
Central Government Rescinds Environment-Friendly Product Labeling Scheme
The Central Government has decided to rescind its Resolution on the Scheme for Labelling of Environment – Friendly Products, which was introduced in 1991. The Scheme on Labelling of Environment Friendly Products was introduced on February 20, 1991 by G.S.R. 85(E). The scheme operated on a national basis and provided accreditation and labelling for household and other consumer products which met certain environmental criteria along with quality requirements of the Indian Standards for that product. The Label was known as the “ECOMARK”.
Guidelines for Financial Support for Recycling Waste In Coastal Areas
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced Guidelines for One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants & Machinery for Abandoned, Lost & Discarded Fishing Gears (ALDFGs) and High Littering Plastic Wastes in Coastal Areas”. These guidelines seek to facilitate and enhance control of pollution in coastal areas.
CPCB Releases Environmental Compensation Guidelines for Waste Tyre EPR Regime
These guidelines, developed through extensive consultations with producer and recycler associations, aim to address the environmental impact of waste tyres and ensure that producers take responsibility for their end-of-life management. The guidelines will be applicable to entities involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, recycling and retreading of Waste Tyre or Tyre as defined in the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management & Transboundary Movement) Amendments Rules, 2022.
CPCB Fosters Environmental Protection Through Additional Environmental Laboratories
This recognition empowers the laboratories to carry out functions assigned under the Environmental Protection Act and related rules. Additionally, its also recognises certain individuals as Government Analysts for the purpose of analyzing samples of air, water, or other substances, as specified for respective groups of parameters.
