India Disputes Global Air Quality Report, Highlights Domestic Efforts
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised concerns over the methodology used in the World Air Quality Report 2023, which ranked Indian cities among the most polluted globally. The ministry emphasized that the report relied heavily on data from low-cost sensors, which are not officially recognized for regulatory purposes by many countries.
Draft Notifications Streamline Pollution Control Consents for Industries
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed new draft notifications to simplify the consent process for certain industries. These notifications aim to reduce duplication and ease the burden on businesses. They propose to exempt certain categories of industries/activities from dual compliance of Consent to Establish (CTE)/Consent to Operate (CTO) and Environmental Clearance (EC).
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Extends Amnesty Scheme for Industry Penal Fees
The original Amnesty Scheme waived a portion of penal fees for industries and healthcare establishments violating air and water pollution control regulations like delayed consent applications or operating without consent. This scheme was applicable for applications submitted between March 1 to May 31, 2024. Considering a positive industry response, the MPCB has extended the scheme for an additional three months, from June 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.
Delhi-NCR Migrates Inter-city Bus Services To Cleaner Modes
Upon deliberations with all concerned stakeholders, it was decided that older polluting buses (BS-III and BS-IV) entering Delhi-NCR from neighboring states will be phased out. These buses will be replaced with cleaner options such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and BS-VI diesel compliant buses (latest emission standards). This directive applies to buses operated by state governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private entities.
NCR Construction Sites Face Crackdown for Dust Pollution
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR has announced stricter measures to tackle dust pollution from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. CAQM has issued an order highlighting its efforts to combat dust pollution caused by such activities.
CAQM Publishes Air Quality Report for NCR Cities/Towns
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has published the Air Quality Report for NCR Cities/Towns. This report was generated for May 15, 2024 at 4 PM. The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings for various cities and towns have been released indicating a diverse range of air quality conditions.
Delhi Breathes Easier On Account Of Improvement in Air Quality
April 2024 saw the highest number of “Good to Moderate” air quality days (23) in Delhi since 2018 (excluding the 2020 lockdown year). This surpasses figures from previous years: 17 (2023), 0 (2022), 18 (2021), 30 (2020), 12 (2019), and 8 (2018). Additionally, the number of days with an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 200 (considered “Poor” to “Severe”) also significantly decreased to just 7 in April 2024.
New Industrial Siting Guidelines Issued In Telangana
Minimum distances from rivers, lakes, and notified water bodies are specified for different industry categories based on pollution potential. Industries near scattered houses (less than 40 or population of 200) might require additional safeguards based on project specifics. Projects within 500 meters of a water body require a NOC from the Irrigation and Command Area Development (I&CAD) department to ensure no obstruction of natural drainage.
Rationalizing Parking Charges For Private Vehicles In NCR
The CAQM has urged Urban Local Bodies to disincentivize private vehicles by way of rationalizing the parking charges. This endeavor shall be completed and implemented expeditiously, but not later than 30.08.2024 and a compliance report must be submitted to the Commission.
Stage-III of GRAP Revoked In Delhi As Air Quality Improves
Taking into account the disruptive nature of restrictions under Stage-III of GRAP, impacting a large number of stakeholders and the public, and considering the significant improvement in Delhi’s average AQI, the Sub-Committee unanimously decided to revoke Stage-III of GRAP in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.
