Environment

Supreme Court’s Mandate on Construction in Eco-Sensitive Zones Introduction The Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps to protect the country’s fragile ecosystems, particularly concerning construction in Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). In its order dated June 3, 2022, the Court issued a directive that prohibits the construction of any new permanent structures within ESZs. This…

Introduction The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued new directives for sewage treatment plants (STPs) in India, reflecting compliance with the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order dated April 30, 2019. These new standards for sewage treatment are set to standardize effluent quality and promote the recycling and reuse of treated wastewater…

Introduction The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) extended the deadline for filing quarterly and annual returns under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022, specifically for Waste Tyre Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), responding to industry requests. The new deadline for the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 is now 31st August 2024,…

Introduction In response to industry requests, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has extended the deadline for filing quarterly and annual returns under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The latest update of E-Waste returns extends the deadline from June 30, 2024, to August 31, 2024, aiming to address several challenges faced by recyclers…

Introduction In a recent update, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOeFCC) has provided much-needed relief to Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) as well as Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs). Referencing the CPCB letter [CP-20/28/2023-UPC-II-HO-CPCB-HO-Part (1)] dated May 29, 2024, the government has extended the deadline for filing Plastic Waste Annual Return for…

Introduction: On June 19, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change issued a significant amendment to the notification initially published on June 16, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Consequently, this amendment, listed under S.O. 2409(E), introduces several critical changes aimed at improving the operations and recognition of Environmental Laboratory Standards. Key…

Introduction: Gujarat’s effective waste management system is crucial, particularly due to its leadership in India’s industrial sector. As industrial activity grows, there’s a responsibility to handle hazardous waste carefully. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has implemented significant measures under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to ensure safe and…

Introduction: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has extended the deadline for registration on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal for Plastic Packaging. Originally, all Producers, Importers, and Brand-Owners (PIBOs), as well as Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs), needed to complete their registration by March 31, 2024. However, the portal’s security features are undergoing updates, prompting…

Introduction: In May 2024, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced significant updates to the EPR Portal for Battery Waste Management, addressing requests from producers and recyclers. These updates aim to improve data accuracy and user management. Edit Sales Data Functionality Producers can now correct sales data submitted during registration. This feature is crucial for…