Amendments to Environmental Clearance Exemptions for Linear Projects – 2025 Introduction In a major move towards enhancing environmental safeguards, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced Environmental Clearance Exemption Amendments for linear projects through a notification issued on March 17, 2025. These changes address concerns raised by the Supreme Court of India…
SEIAA and SEAC Authority in EC Amendments & Transfers Introduction The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) recently issued new guidelines to clarify the roles of State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committees (SEAC). These guidelines explicitly state who approves changes, transfers, extensions, or cancellations of Environmental Clearances (ECs)…
Guidelines for Registration of Recyclers and Co-Processors on the EPR Portal Introduction The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has introduced new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for the Co-Processors and Recycler registration on EPR Portal. These guidelines are part of the Hazardous and Other Wastes…
Environmental Clearance Transfer Process 2025: Key Guidelines Introduction Environmental Clearance (EC) is a crucial regulatory approval for industrial and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with environmental norms. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a directive on November 3, 2023, specifying a time-bound Environmental clearance transfer process when project ownership changes. However, many…
Sustainable End-of-Life Vehicle Management: A New Era in India Introduction The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has issued groundbreaking End-of-Life Vehicle Rules for managing End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). Effective April 1, 2025, these rules aim to address the lifecycle of vehicles responsibly, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting sustainability. By enforcing the End-of-Life Vehicle…
Extension of Timeline for Filing Returns under Hazardous Waste Management Rules Introduction The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recently announced an extension for filing quarterly and annual returns under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2022. This decision, backed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC),…
Understanding the New Water Pollution Control Rules of 2024 Introduction The Government of India recently unveiled the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposition of Penalty) Rules, 2024, marking a significant stride in environmental regulation. These rules establish a streamlined framework for addressing water pollution violations, ensuring timely inquiries and…
Exemption from Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act: A Step Towards Simplification Introduction The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the Air Act Exemption Notification, exempting specific industrial plants from certain provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. This exemption focuses on industries with minimal pollution…
Understanding the Plastic Waste Management Rules Introduction The increase in plastic consumption has led to an alarming rise in environmental pollution. To combat this, the Indian government introduced the Plastic Waste EPR Regulations in 2016, aiming to address the growing plastic waste problem by outlining clear regulations and responsibilities for individuals, organizations, and authorities. Key…
Draft Guidelines for EPRETPPP Authorization and Functioning The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has updated the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules to introduce an Electronic Trading and Settlement Platform for Plastic Packaging (EPRETPPP). The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is tasked with creating guidelines for authorizing agencies to set up this platform,…