Sustainable Development

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…

Understanding the Hazardous and Other Wastes Management and Transboundary Movement Second Amendment Rules, 2024 Introduction In a world increasingly facing environmental challenges, effective waste management is essential for sustainable development. Therefore, the Indian government has introduced the Draft Hazardous Waste Management Rules under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules,…

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: 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 2023, the Central Government introduced the Green Credit Rules, aiming to incentivize tree plantation and enhance the nation’s green cover. These rules, formulated on the recommendation of the Administrator, outline a structured methodology for calculating green credits, particularly concerning tree plantation initiatives. Under these rules: Identification of Degraded Land: The Forest Department of…

Introduction MoEFCC introduced a groundbreaking change by amending the Green Revolution Environmental Policy 2.0, which was originally dated September 14, 2006. Moreover, these extensive amendments comprehensively address a wide range of activities, encompassing new projects, expansions of existing projects, and modernization efforts. After all of these actions are carried out with a primary focus on…