Understanding the Latest Environmental Protection Amendment
Introduction
On September 9, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change introduced crucial amendments to the Environment Protection Rules, 1986. These changes, part of the Environment Protection Amendment 2024, set to take effect on September 1, 2025, focus on improving standards for Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP), marking a significant move towards strengthening India’s environmental regulations.
Revised Standards for CETP
One of the central aspects of the amendment is the enhancement of effluent quality standards for treated wastewater. The changes emphasize better management of inlet and treated effluent quality by addressing specific contaminants such as ammonical nitrogen, heavy metals, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Notably, the allowed limit for TDS in treated effluent is set at 2100 mg/L, with potential relaxation under specific conditions.
Additionally, parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and the presence of contaminants like oil and grease, chlorides, and phosphates have been revised to ensure cleaner discharges into inland surface water, land for irrigation, and sea.
Conclusion
The Environment Protection Amendment 2024 showcases India’s commitment to improving industrial effluent management, particularly in critical sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electroplating. These rules set new benchmarks for pollution control and emphasize real-time monitoring, ensuring industries align with stricter environmental standards. As these rules come into effect, they promise a cleaner and more sustainable industrial framework for the country.
Download: Understanding the Latest Environmental Protection Amendment
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