CPCB Mandates Use of NPL-Certified OCEMS in Delhi-NCR Industries
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a directive to the Member Secretaries of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) in Delhi-NCR, mandating the installation of only CSIR-NPL certified Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) in air polluting industries.
Pune Municipal Corporation Issues Public Appeal to Stop Open Burning Amid Rising Air Pollution
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a public advisory warning residents against burning wood, garbage, or coal in open spaces, citing a significant rise in air pollution across the city. The announcement highlights that many residential complexes, housing societies, and commercial establishments continue to burn waste in bonfires—particularly during cold weather—to provide warmth to security personnel.
CAQM Revises Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to Enforce Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued an order revising the schedule of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for the entire National Capital Region (NCR). This revision, effective immediately, advances several anti-pollution measures to be triggered at lower Air Quality Index (AQI) levels following observations by the Supreme Court.
CPCB Updates Recognition for 70+ Environmental Labs
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a comprehensive notification updating its official list of recognized Environmental Laboratories and designated Government Analysts under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification, dated October 7, 2025, reflects two major actions by the CPCB: the substitution (renewal/amendment) of entries for 41 existing laboratories and the insertion of 37 new laboratories into the recognized list.
CPCB Recognizes Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s Central Laboratory as Environmental Lab
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recognized a new Environmental Laboratory and designated several Government Analysts for environmental sample analysis. This recognition is granted under the powers of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification, dated October 7, 2025, adds a new entry to the CPCB’s list of recognized facilities, expanding the network responsible for crucial environmental monitoring.
Environment Ministry Updates ‘White Category’ List for Air and Water Pollution Control
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has substituted the schedule listing industrial plants and sectors classified under the “White Category.” The White Category encompasses industries that are exempted from needing prior Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) under certain provisions of the Water and Air Acts.
NPC Invites Empanelment of APCD Manufacturers
The National Productivity Council (NPC), on behalf of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has initiated the process for the empanelment of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs). This initiative aims to ensure the availability of properly designed APCDs crucial for effective air pollution control.
CPCB Sets September 15 Deadline for CEMS Certification
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set a final deadline of September 15, 2025, for all manufacturers of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to submit their applications for product certification to the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). This notice serves as a continuation of previous announcements and meetings with manufacturers regarding the new certification scheme.
NPL Certification Now Mandatory for Air Emission Monitoring Systems in Delhi-NCR
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has launched a new certification scheme for Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) used for air emission monitoring. The scheme, managed under the CSIR-NPL India Certification Scheme (NPLI CS), is now operative for all CEMS manufacturers. This notice was issued on September 3, 2025.
CPCB Releases Revised Calibration Protocols for Environmental Monitoring Systems
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a revised calibration protocol for Online Continuous Emission and Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS), setting standardized requirements for a range of parameters to ensure the accuracy and reliability of environmental data. These guidelines, effective from July 2025, specify the frequency and procedures for calibration, checks, and performance testing for emissions and effluent monitoring systems.
CAQM Mandates Use of Paddy Straw-Based Pellets in Brick Kilns Beyond NCR to Curb Air Pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued a statutory direction mandating the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets and briquettes in brick kilns located in non-NCR districts of Haryana and Punjab. This direction aims at combating the recurring menace of stubble burning and its devastating impact on air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).
CAQM Issues Statutory Directions to Curb Waste Burning and Landfill Fires in NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued Statutory Direction to eliminate the open burning of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and prevent fire incidents at Sanitary Landfill (SLF) sites and dumpsites. The directive outlines a two-pronged approach to curb the release of harmful pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, NO₂, SO₂, CO, Dioxins, and Furans, which are commonly emitted from waste burning.