India Introduces Ecomark Certification Scheme to Promote Environment-Friendly Products
The Government of India has introduced the Ecomark Certification Scheme to encourage the production and consumption of environmentally friendly products. This scheme was introduced through the Ecomark Rules, 2024. Under these rules, products eligible for Ecomark certification must meet specific criteria related to resource consumption, waste generation, emissions, and overall environmental impact.
Central Government Rescinds Environment-Friendly Product Labeling Scheme
The Central Government has decided to rescind its Resolution on the Scheme for Labelling of Environment – Friendly Products, which was introduced in 1991. The Scheme on Labelling of Environment Friendly Products was introduced on February 20, 1991 by G.S.R. 85(E). The scheme operated on a national basis and provided accreditation and labelling for household and other consumer products which met certain environmental criteria along with quality requirements of the Indian Standards for that product. The Label was known as the “ECOMARK”.
Guidelines for Financial Support for Recycling Waste In Coastal Areas
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has announced Guidelines for One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants & Machinery for Abandoned, Lost & Discarded Fishing Gears (ALDFGs) and High Littering Plastic Wastes in Coastal Areas”. These guidelines seek to facilitate and enhance control of pollution in coastal areas.
CPCB Releases Environmental Compensation Guidelines for Waste Tyre EPR Regime
These guidelines, developed through extensive consultations with producer and recycler associations, aim to address the environmental impact of waste tyres and ensure that producers take responsibility for their end-of-life management. The guidelines will be applicable to entities involved in manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, recycling and retreading of Waste Tyre or Tyre as defined in the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management & Transboundary Movement) Amendments Rules, 2022.
CPCB Fosters Environmental Protection Through Additional Environmental Laboratories
This recognition empowers the laboratories to carry out functions assigned under the Environmental Protection Act and related rules. Additionally, its also recognises certain individuals as Government Analysts for the purpose of analyzing samples of air, water, or other substances, as specified for respective groups of parameters.
New Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules to Take Effect
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has notified the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2024, which will come into force on April 1, 2025. The rules aim to regulate the management of waste generated from construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, and repair activities.
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.
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 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.
CAQM Enhances Plantation Drive to Combat Air Pollution
Recognizing the effectiveness of vegetation in mitigating dust, a major contributor to poor air quality, CAQM has set ambitious plantation targets. After exceeding the 2022-23 target of 3.85 crore new plantations, the Commission is aiming even higher for 2024-25, with a target of 4.5 crore new trees across NCR states and Delhi.
