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 Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is a significant step by the Indian government to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Launched in 2023 under the Energy Conservation Act of 2001, the Carbon Credit Scheme India aims to establish a national framework for carbon trading, which incentivizes emission reductions through a…
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: 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…
Introduction: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued an Office Memorandum (OM) on November 14, 2023, detailing crucial timelines for compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets and submission of annual returns under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. This memorandum provides clarity for producers on their obligations for fiscal years 2022-23…
Introduction: The Plastic Packaging Industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards heightened accountability through Producer Responsibility initiatives. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, has introduced stringent guidelines on the Extended Plastic Packaging Industry’s Producer Responsibility. These guidelines emphasize the proactive role of Producers, Importers & Brand-Owners (PIBOs), and Plastic…
Introduction: In recent discussions surrounding groundwater abstraction, the issue of relaxing charges has taken center stage, prompting a critical reevaluation by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). The imposition of hefty Environmental Compensation (EC) charges, particularly on existing projects applying late for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or renewal, has raised concerns among project proponents,…
Introduction: In the face of mounting electronic waste (e-waste) challenges, adhering to guidelines for e-waste recycling is imperative for environmental sustainability. These guidelines outline best practices for recyclers and refurbishers to ensure the responsible handling and management of electronic waste. Recycler Guidelines: Recyclers are pivotal in the e-waste management chain, tasked with the recycling and…