NEW DELHI: In a pivotal move designed to fast-track the development of essential municipal solid waste management facilities and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), the Union Environment Ministry has put forth a proposal to exempt these projects from the often-lengthy prior environmental clearance process.
Last week, the ministry issued two distinct draft notifications outlining this proposal. It argued that such facilities are fundamental “essential environment services (EES)” which play a critical role in safeguarding both the environment and human health, and therefore, their establishment should be actively encouraged.
The ministry has invited public and expert opinions on the proposed changes, allowing a 60-day window for feedback. A final decision will be made and notified in early December, after considering all stakeholder viewpoints.
This initiative follows recommendations from its sectoral expert and advisory panels. These panels highlighted that EES projects, such as solid waste management facilities, are already rigorously governed by comprehensive water and air (prevention and control of pollution) laws. Furthermore, they are categorized as “blue category” industries, signifying their role in providing essential services.
The ministry’s notification emphasized that these facilities can also contribute significantly to value creation by producing various by-products, including secondary raw materials, compost, and energy. This not only supports a circular economy but also promotes sustainable development by transforming waste into valuable resources, thus justifying their exemption from mandatory green clearances.
Additionally, the ministry noted a growing trend across various industrial sectors – including pharmaceuticals, paints, chemical fertilizers, electroplating, and textiles – where earlier heavy reliance on CETPs has evolved. These sectors have progressively upgraded their infrastructure to meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements.
A notable shift towards adopting Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, which tackle pollution at the source, has also been observed. Recognizing CETPs as a crucial solution for fostering better self-compliance through collective responsibility, the ministry underscored the urgent need to establish more such plants, ensuring they still adhere to vital environmental safeguards.