The Union Environment Ministry has proposed to exempt common municipal solid waste management facilities and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) from obtaining prior environmental clearance.
Two separate draft notifications were issued last week, one on October 3 for CETPs and another on October 6 for solid waste facilities. Both proposals are based on recommendations from the ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for infrastructure projects.
The EAC said these facilities are already regulated under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. It noted that both laws provide strict and comprehensive regulatory control.
“The committee was of the view that common municipal solid waste management facilities may be exempted, subject to environmental safeguards,” the draft notification stated.
If approved, the exemption will remove solid waste management facilities and CETPs from the list of projects that currently need prior environmental clearance under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006.
The ministry described these facilities as “essential environmental services” that play a key role in protecting the environment and public health. It also said the change would help speed up the creation of waste management infrastructure across the country.
“These facilities may also bring value addition by producing secondary raw materials, compost, and energy, and promote circular economy by converting waste into wealth,” the ministry said in its draft.
The proposal follows the ministry’s view that several industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, paints, and textiles, have adopted stronger compliance measures and upgraded their treatment systems. Many units have shifted to Zero Liquid Discharge systems, which control pollution at the source.
An official from the Environment Ministry, who asked not to be named, said the move aims to “reduce bureaucratic delays” while ensuring “strict safeguards remain in place.”
The ministry has invited public comments and suggestions on the draft within 60 days. A final notification will be issued after reviewing feedback from stakeholders, likely in early December.
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