The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released a draft notification setting emissions intensity targets for high-emitters, in a move to finalise the country’s first compliance-based carbon market, expected to launch in 2026, reported Mongabay.
The environment news portal said the notification makes it mandatory for industrial units listed to meet reduced emissions targets. Units that reduce emissions beyond the given target can generate credits and sell them in the carbon market. Units that struggle to meet their targets can purchase these credits to meet their goals, the report said.
A fine will be charged by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), if industries fail to comply. “As it stands, 282 industrial units are obligated to meet these new targets, spanning the aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, and pulp and paper sectors. The cement sector – which accounts for 5.8% of India’s carbon emissions – has the most industries with targets (186),” the report continued.
The government also plans on including the fertiliser, iron, steel, petrochemicals and petroleum refinery sectors at a later stage. Conspicuously missing from the list of obligated industries is the power sector, India’s biggest emitter, responsible for 39.2% of carbon emissions.
Delhi: 12 of 37 sewage treatment plants not meeting standards
Twelve of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) sewage treatment plants (STP) are not meeting prescribed standards. The Delhi Jal Board has a total of 37 sewage treatment plants (STP) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Out of this, 25 are meeting all the prescribed standards and running on full utilisation, according to data submitted by DJB to the National Green Tribunal, DTE reported. The report said the data updated by DJB on its website is continuously monitored by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). This was stated by DJB May 8, 2025 in an affidavit filed in compliance with the NGT order of November 22, 2024. The tribunal was examining the issue of improper performance of STPs installed by the DJB along River Yamuna.
Wildfire pollution, more toxic than urban air pollution, enter homes of 1 billion people annually
Toxic pollution from wildfires has entered the homes of more than a billion people annually since 2005, according to new research, reported the Guardian. The climate crisis is driving up the risk of wildfires by increasing heatwaves and droughts, making the issue of wildfire smoke a “pressing global issue”, scientists said.
The newspaper said the tiny particles produced by wildfires can travel thousands of miles and are known to be more toxic than urban air pollution, due to higher concentrations of chemicals that cause inflammation. Wildfire pollution has been linked to early deaths, worsened heart and breathing diseases and premature births, according to the outlet.
The report explained that previous studies analysed outdoor exposure to wildfire smoke, but people spend most of their time indoors, particularly when seeking refuge from wildfires. The new analysis is the first global, high-resolution study of indoor spikes in wildfire pollution.
New construction waste rules back recycling, hold producers accountable
India’s environment ministry introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), mandatory recycling targets in the construction and demolition (C&D) sector, Mongabay reported.
Under the newly notified Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025, authorities are now required to include waste recycling provisions in approvals for all construction projects. The rules mandate that EPR targets in construction, reconstruction and demolition projects be regulated through a waste management plan.
When calculating EPR targets, debris such as cement concrete, bricks, plaster, stone, rubble, and ceramics will be considered. However, reusable or resalable materials, such as iron, wood, plastic, metal, and glass, will not be counted towards EPR targets. The new rules also mandate projects with a built-up area of 20,000 square metres or more and road construction projects to use processed waste. Local authorities are responsible for monitoring compliance.
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