Sri Vijaya Puram, November 12: Dairy farms and gaushalas across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands must meet mandatory environmental standards for cattle dung disposal, wastewater treatment and animal housing, with the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) directing owners and operators to comply with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines and obtain statutory environmental clearances wherever required.
The directive places particular emphasis on preventing pollution caused by the improper handling and disposal of cattle waste, fodder residues and wastewater. Establishments must adopt scientific waste management practices and ensure that untreated effluents do not contaminate the surrounding environment or groundwater.
The ANPCC has invoked the CPCB’s Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas, revised in July 2021, which followed directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Original Application No. 394/2022.
Under the guidelines, dairy farms refer to establishments that rear milch animals for milk production and supply. Gaushalas, also known as Gosadans and Pinjrapoles, provide shelter and care for weak, sick, injured, abandoned and homeless cattle.
The CPCB’s January 2025 classification of industrial sectors places dairy farms in different pollution categories according to the number of animals they maintain. Farms housing more than 500 animals fall under the Red Category, while those with 101–500 animals and 15–100 animals come under the Orange Category. Gaushalas fall under the Green Category.
Cattle waste and wastewater management
The ANPCC has instructed operators to ensure the proper collection, treatment and scientific disposal of cattle dung generated within their premises. Recommended methods include composting, vermicomposting, biomethanation and cattle dung log-making.
Establishments may alternatively hand over the collected dung to the concerned local body for appropriate management. The requirements seek to prevent unmanaged cattle waste from becoming a source of environmental pollution.
Wastewater generated by dairy farms and gaushalas must also undergo adequate treatment before discharge. The guidelines prohibit operators from releasing untreated wastewater into the environment or allowing it to seep into the ground, where it could contaminate groundwater.
Animal housing and statutory clearances
The directive also requires establishments to provide adequate space and ventilation for every animal. Housing arrangements must allow cattle sufficient room to stand, rest, move around, feed and engage in normal movement within the premises.
In addition to operational requirements, establishments covered by statutory consent provisions must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) from the ANPCC before setting up their facilities and Consent to Operate (CTO) before starting operations. They must also secure prior registration from the respective local bodies.
The statutory clearances fall under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
The ANPCC has asked all dairy farm and gaushala owners and operators to take immediate steps to meet the prescribed requirements and obtain applicable approvals. It has also called for instances of non-compliance to be brought to the notice of the competent authority for appropriate action.
The directive covers environmental management, waste disposal, wastewater treatment and statutory permissions, making compliance applicable to establishments across the Islands according to their respective regulatory requirements.
