India Takes Strong Steps Against Single-Use Plastics
The Indian government has made significant strides in its fight against single-use plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 implemented from July 1, 2022, have led to a ban on several high-littering plastic items, including plastic carry bags below a certain thickness. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) has issued a press release dated July 25, 2024, on current status of this ban.
Draft Environment (Protection) (Amendment) Rules, 2024
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has proposed significant amendments to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. These draft amendments aim to enhance environmental protection by strengthening enforcement mechanisms. The draft amendments were published July 18, 2024.
CPCB Issues Report on Pollution Source Mapping of River Hindon & Its Tributaries And Restoration Plan for Polluted Stretches
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a report highlighting the complex challenges associated with river rejuvenation projects in India. The report aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application for effective river rejuvenation. It focuses rejuvenation efforts to restore a river’s natural self-purification abilities, making it sustainable in the long run.
CPCB Publishes Report On Its Significant Works
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been actively working on various fronts to combat pollution and promote sustainable practices. It has published a report titled ‘Significant Works by
Central Pollution Control Board’ detailing its recent endeavors. The report specifies several initiatives undertaken by CPCB to foster environmental protection.
Government Extends Deadline for Filing E-Waste Returns
The MoEF&CC has now extended the deadline for registered entities to file quarterly and annual returns on their e-waste management activities. The last date for filing these reports for the 2023-2024 financial year is extended to June 30, 2024.
Deadline Extended for Waste Tyre Reporting
The original deadline for filing these reports for the 2023-2024 financial year was April 30, 2024. Following industry requests, the MoEF&CC has extended this deadline to June 30, 2024. Companies involved in waste tyre management now have an additional two months to submit their reports.
Deadline Extended for Annual Plastic Waste Reports
The CPCB acknowledges that the EPR portal for plastic packaging underwent maintenance for security upgrades in January-March 2024, limiting access during this period. Considering this downtime, the CPCB has extended the deadline for filing annual reports for the financial year 2022-23 to May 31st, 2024.
Plastic EPR Implementation Committee Discusses Challenges and Makes Recommendations
The meeting, chaired by the CPCB Chairman, included representatives from central ministries, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and other relevant organizations. The CPCB presented an overview of EPR implementation, addressed issues related to EPR implementation and made recommendations on improving implementation of EPR regimes.
Customs Urged to Clear Importer Plastic Packaging Consignments Based on Existing Registration
CPCB is urging customs authorities to consider existing EPR certificates for importers, even if they mention a one-year validity period. These certificates should be recognized as valid one-time registrations under the amended rules.
Imported Consignments Of E-Waste Producers To Be Released On Undertaking
To avail of this extension, producers must submit a signed undertaking in the prescribed format to the customs authorities. Additionally, proof of submitting this undertaking to the CPCB at ewaste2.cpcb@gov.in is required.
