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…

Disaster Management Bill 2024 – A Key Updates On August 1, 2024, the Lok Sabha introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024. This bill, in turn, aims to revise the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Consequently, the amendment seeks to enhance the disaster management framework of India. By addressing existing gaps, the bill intends to improve…

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 Rajkot Municipal Corporation issued a new directive on June 1, 2024, requiring all buildings and properties within the municipal limits to obtain a Building Use (BU) Certificate and Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). This mandate is in accordance with the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act of 1976, the Gujarat Fire Prevention…

Introduction: To bolster urban safety, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has issued a directive emphasizing mandatory fire safety measures for all buildings within its jurisdiction. Effective from June 1, 2024, this directive aligns with the notification by the state government’s urban development and urban housing department (GH/V/68 of 2021/AGN-102021-100-L1), mandating compliance with fire safety norms as…

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…