Sustainable Development

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…