Sri Vijaya Puram, May 5: In a significant move to strengthen environmental safeguards in the ecologically sensitive Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee has issued a comprehensive advisory directing all stakeholders to strictly comply with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
The rules, notified by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, lay down detailed procedures for the safe handling, storage, transportation, recycling, and disposal of hazardous waste. Authorities emphasized that every entity involved in the generation or handling of such waste including generators, collectors, transporters, processors, and receivers must ensure scientific and environmentally sound management practices.
According to the advisory, all hazardous waste-generating units and associated entities operating within the Union Territory are required to obtain mandatory authorization from ANPCC through the online OCMMS portal. In addition, units must secure Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO), as applicable under environmental regulations governed by water and air pollution control laws.
Officials clarified that hazardous waste generators must apply for consent in line with industrial classifications notified by the Central Pollution Control Board. These classifications determine the level of regulatory oversight and compliance obligations for different types of industries.
The ANPCC has also directed that all hazardous waste must be disposed of only through authorized recyclers possessing valid Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certification issued by MoEF&CC. Furthermore, transportation of such waste especially for inter-State movement must strictly follow the prescribed manifest system and be undertaken only after obtaining prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the committee.
Highlighting the consequences of non-compliance, the advisory warned that violators may face stringent action under the Environment Protection Act 1986. Penalties may include cancellation of consent or authorization, closure of operations, and imposition of environmental compensation and fines.
The notice has been issued to raise awareness among industries, businesses, and the general public about the importance of responsible hazardous waste management. Authorities stressed that improper handling and disposal can lead to severe environmental damage, including soil contamination, air pollution, and degradation of marine and freshwater ecosystems particularly critical in the fragile island environment.
The ANPCC reiterated that collective compliance and active community vigilance are essential to ensure sustainable environmental practices in the region. Stakeholders have been urged to adopt responsible waste management systems and strictly adhere to regulatory norms to protect the islands’ biodiversity and ecological balance.
With increasing industrial and commercial activities in the Union Territory, officials underlined the need for proactive measures to prevent environmental hazards and ensure long-term sustainability.
