Environment Minister Urges 13 States to Adopt Water Act
The Environment Minister highlighted the necessity of adopting the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, by all States to ensure uniform enforcement and pollution control standards. He requested 13 States—Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh—to adopt the Act by their respective State legislatures during the forthcoming Winter Session. The Minister emphasized that this adoption is vital for enabling the applicability of uniform consent guidelines and the categorization of industries for effective pollution control.
Battery Producers Granted Extension for Annual Returns Under Waste Management Rules
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has announced a three-month extension for battery producers to submit their Annual Returns for the Financial Year 2024-25, under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The new deadline for filing these returns is now September 30, 2025. This extension order was issued on July 10, 2025.
New Advisory Issued for EPR Battery Portal Users: Emphasizing Secure Login and Direct Communication
The Central pollution Control Board (CPCB) has addressed common login issues faced by users of the EPR Battery Portal and reinforces best practices for account security and communication. The notice primarily guides users experiencing login difficulties and emphasizes the crucial need for authorized personnel to use their dedicated contact information for portal access.
Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2025
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified amendments to the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, seeking to streamline compliance for battery producers. The amendments known as the Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2025 was published on February 24, 2025.
India Emphasizes Circular Economy at Waste Recycling Conclave
The Minister projected a $2 trillion market value for India’s circular economy by 2050, with the potential to create 10 million jobs. He encouraged startups and recycled product developers to seize this opportunity.
Deadline for Battery Waste Management Annual Returns Extended Again
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has further extended the deadline for producers of batteries to file their annual returns for the financial year 2023-24. The new deadline is now March 31, 2025.
Government Amends Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
This sub-rule, which dealt with the constitution of a Central Coordination Committee, has been removed. Sub-rule (9) of Rule 13 has been amended to specify that any person who fails to comply with the provisions of these rules shall be liable to a penalty under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
CPCB Introduces Environmental Compensation Guidelines for Battery Waste Management
These Guidelines will be applicable to producers, recyclers, refurbishers and entities involved in collection, segregation and treatment of Waste Battery. The EC guidelines outline the procedures for calculating and imposing environmental compensation on entities that fail to comply with the Battery Waste Management Rules.