Environment Ministry Notifies GHG Emission Intensity Targets for Key Industries
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has formally published the Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025. These rules establish binding emission reduction targets for specific entities in four key industrial sectors—Aluminium, Cement, Chlor-Alkali, and Pulp and Paper—as part of the compliance mechanism under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. The rules come into force immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette on October 8, 2025.
CPCB Report Shows Decline in Polluted River Stretches Across India
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released its latest assessment of river water quality, based on data from 2022 and 2023, revealing a significant reduction in the total number of identified Polluted River Stretches (PRS) across the country. This improvement is attributed to concerted efforts by State Governments toward better infrastructure for sewage, industrial effluent, and waste management.
Ministry of Environment Extends Deadline for Plastic Waste Management Annual Returns for PIBOs and PWPs
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has announced an extension for Producers, Importers, Brand Owners (PIBOs) and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) to file their annual returns for the financial year 2024-2025. The new deadline has been set for July 31, 2025.
Updated Guidelines for Environmental Laboratory Recognition
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has unveiled the revised and updated “Guidelines for Recognition of Environmental Laboratories under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.” This manual aims to standardize and enhance the quality of environmental testing nationwide. The guidelines are a step towards ensuring that environmental data, vital for pollution control and policy-making, is scientifically reliable and legally defensible.
India Fortifies Environmental Monitoring with Extensive List of Recognized Laboratories
The Central Pollution Control Board has published a list of 146 private environmental laboratories that have been officially recognized under Section 12(1) B of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This updated roster is valid as of June 10, 2025. The recognition grants these laboratories the authority to conduct environmental testing and analysis, playing a pivotal role in ensuring adherence to environmental regulations across various industries.
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.
India Reaffirms Commitment to Glacier Preservation at High-Level International Conference in Dushanbe
India has once again reiterated its firm commitment to climate resilience and glacier preservation during the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation, held from 29th to 31st May 2025 in Dushanbe. Representing India at the conference, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed the plenary session and emphasized the urgent need for collective global action to address glacial retreat.
CPCB Seeks Public Input on Draft Guidelines for Silica Sand Mining and Washing Plants
The CPCB has provided the draft guidelines which covering various aspects of environmental management related to silica sand mining and washing operations. These aspects include measures for pollution control, waste management, water conservation, air quality monitoring, and sustainable mining practices.
CPCB Seeks Public Input on Draft Guidelines for Environmental Compensation Under Hazardous Waste Rules
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released draft guidelines for the imposition of Environmental Compensation (EC) under the recently amended “Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2023,” and is inviting comments and suggestions from the public by June 5, 2025.
India Launches Action Plan to Revive Ancient Aravalli Hill Range
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change unveiled a Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli Landscape Restoration during a national workshop in Udaipur. The initiative aims to restore the ecological integrity of the Aravalli Hill Range, spanning across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi. This press release was issued on May 21, 2025.
IIT Delhi Study Surveys SO2 Levels Near Thermal Power Plants
The IIT Delhi study provides insights into the current ambient SO2 levels near thermal power plants in India and raises questions about the overall environmental and economic implications of widespread FGD adoption. The findings suggest a need for a balanced approach that considers both air quality improvement and climate change goals, while also ensuring energy security.