Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a draft notification intending exemption of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) from the requirement of prior Environmental Clearance (EC) under the EIA Notification, 2006. Traditionally, CETPs were listed under item 7(h) requiring mandatory EC. However, industries across sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, paints, fertilizers, and electroplating have modernized their effluent treatment systems, adopting Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and other advanced technologies. These improvements enable better waste management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The exemption intends to promote the establishment of CETPs as cost-effective, centralized facilities promoting collective responsibility and environmental accountability. While EC will not be mandatory, CETPs must comply with environmental safeguards enforced through the Consent to Establish/Operate mechanism under the Water and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts, 1974 and 1981. The decision follows recommendations by the Expert Appraisal and Expert Advisory Committees, reflecting a balance between industrial growth, technological advancement, and environmental protection.

Subject

Summary: On 26th September 2025, the MoEFCC issued a draft notification, which was published in the Gazette on 1st October 2025, for standalone cement grinding units. These units, without captive power plants, are exempted from prior Environmental Clearance (EC) if all raw materials and finished products are transported via Railways or EVs. These cement units have lower pollution compared to regular integrated plants. They produce fewer carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption, and generate minimal waste by skipping the clinkerization and calcination processes. The Expert Appraisal Committee recommended this exemption, and the Expert Advisory Committee approved it, subject to strict environmental safeguards. The exemption promotes green logistics in the cement industry, reducing regulatory compliance burdens without compromising environmental safety. By promoting rail and electric vehicle transport, the notification supports low-carbon, eco-friendly operations. Cement units that meet these criteria now enjoy simplified EC procedures under the EIA Notification 2006. This step strengthens environmental governance, reduces administrative burden, and promotes sustainable practices in the cement sector.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment (Protection) Seventh Amendment Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The revised framework introduces strict limits on waste discharge, freshwater use, and discharge levels for the pulp and paper industry. For mills using chemical pulp, standards now control pH, total suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, absorbable organic halogens, and sodium absorption ratio. Mills based on recycled fiber face similar limitations with slight relaxations. Additionally, chemical pulp manufacturing will only be allowed where mills operate chemical recovery systems to ensure zero black-liquor discharge. Freshwater use and discharge standards are product-specific. Bleached grades of chemical pulp are capped at 50 m3 of water per ton of product with 40 m3 effluent discharge. Mills based on recycled fibre are subject to stricter limits. Emission standards for particulate matter and odorous gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) have been introduced. Rayon-grade pulp industries are excluded from the scope of the amendment.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government revised the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023, introduces the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025, in effect from the date of its official publication. Key updates consist of outlining “in-principle or Stage-I approval” and “final or Stage-II approval” for forest land use, simplifying the procedure for linear projects through “working permission,” and permitting non-official members to resign at any time. The laws also expand offline application submissions for defense and emergency projects and extend the expiration of in-principle approvals to two to five years, which includes further extension clauses. The changes increase the need for compensating forests, particularly for the mining of critical minerals, and elucidating land transfers and information. The statutory procedure now enables designated forestry officers to initiate proceedings against offenders under Van Adhenim, enhancing enforcement. Modifications to timelines and inspection protocols aim to increase efficiency. Overall, these amendments reinforce forest conservation while balancing development requirements and procedural clarity.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the Draft Environment Audit Rules, 2025 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These draft rules propose a proper system for environment audits to check if projects, industries, and activities are following environmental laws like the Air Act, Water Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Forest Conservation rules. The draft notification states that Registered Environment Auditors will conduct audits, collect samples, check pollution control systems, and prepare reports. They will also verify compliance for Green Credit Rules 2023, Ecomark Rules 2024, waste management rules, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects. A proposed body called the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) will certify, register, and monitor auditors. Auditors must remain independent, follow a strict code of conduct, and avoid conflicts of interest. Registration will be valid for five years, with renewal possible. The draft rules also provide for a Steering Committee under MoEFCC and CPCB to monitor implementation. In case of disputes, government officers’ reports will have final authority. The aim is to promote compliance, reduce pollution, support climate action, ESG goals, green credit, and sustainable development.