The integrity of environmental compliance mechanisms is critical for ensuring sustainable practices. However, recent findings by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) during audits of plastic recycling companies in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka have highlighted significant lapses in this regard. The issuance of 600,000 fake Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates by these companies raises serious concerns about the effectiveness and enforcement of plastic waste management regulations in India.
Related article: Over 600,000 Fake EPR Certificates Found: CPCB Takes Action
Discovery of Fake EPR Certificates
During audits conducted in August 2023, the CPCB discovered that four plastic recycling companies from different states had issued a staggering number of fake EPR certificates. Despite the audits occurring in August, media reports only brought the issue to light recently, prompting the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to take suo moto cognisance of the matter.
Legal and Environmental Implications
The NGT has taken swift action in response to these findings. On July 26, the principal bench of the NGT ordered the state governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka, as well as the CPCB, to submit a response regarding the fake pollution certificates by November. The case is set to be heard by the central zonal bench of the NGT in Bhopal on November 8. This case is critical as it addresses significant compliance issues with environmental norms and the potential environmental harm caused by the non-recycling of plastic waste.
Source: Hindustan Times
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