Full Text
The Gazette of India
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 3982] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024/ASVINA 15, 1946
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 7th October, 2024
S.O. 4341(E).— The following draft of the rules, which the Central Government proposes to issue in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 3, 6 and 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986)
Whereas the Government proposes to introduce following draft rules to address the management of the liquid waste as a whole and each of its aspects individually. The aspects are: Liquid waste minimization; managing the collection of liquid waste; treatment of liquid waste; reuse/utilization of treated wastewater or sludge/faecal sludge; discharge/disposal of the remaining treated wastewater or sludge/faecal sludge.
Whereas it is hereby published for the information of the public likely to be affected thereby; and the notice is hereby given that the said draft notification shall be taken in to consideration on or after the expiry of a period of sixty days from the date on which copies of this notification as published in the gazette of India are made available to public;
Objections or suggestions on the proposals contained in the draft notification, if any may be addressed, within the period so specified, to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, New Delhi- 110 003 or electronically at e-mail addressed: [email protected]
The objections and suggestions which may be received from any person with respect to the said draft rules before the expiry of the period so specified shall be considered by the Central Government.
Draft Rules
CHAPTER I
1. Short title and commencement:- (1) These rules may be called Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024;
(2) They shall come into force on 01 October, 2025.
2. Application:- (1) These rules shall apply to every urban body as well as rural local body and all public authorities and entities responsible for the generation and management of wastewater, sludge from wastewater treatment facilities and faecal sludge, including all entities within their jurisdictions whether being controlled and managed by the government, private sector or in Public Private Partnership (PPP) viz. special notified areas including industrial areas/townships, special economic zones (SEZs), food parks, and areas under the control of Indian Railways including railway stations, railway tracks and land parcels adjacent to railway tracks, airports, airbases, ports and harbours, defence establishments, public and private establishments, State and Central government organizations, places of pilgrims, religious and historical importance, all land owners public or private, individual or body corporate, and every domestic, institutional, commercial and any other non-residential liquid waste generator including bulk user of water.
(2) The obligations provided under other rules and regulations shall get supplemented with the obligations provided under these rules.
3. Definitions:- (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,
(a) "authorisation" means the permission given by the State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee, as the case may be, to the operator of a facility or a local body, or any other agency responsible for processing and disposal of liquid waste;
(b) "biochemical oxygen demand" or "BOD" means the rate at which organisms use the oxygen in water or wastewater while stabilizing decomposable organic matter under aerobic conditions;
(c) "blackwater" means waste from a liquid flushing toilet, urinal;
(d) "bulk user of water" means and includes buildings occupied by the Central government departments or undertakings, State government departments or undertakings, local bodies, public sector undertakings or private companies, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, colleges, universities, other educational institutions, hostels, hotels, markets, places of worship, stadia and sports complexes or any other private or public commercial or institutional establishments or residential societies having an average water use exceeding 5000 litres per day;
(e) "commercial unit" means a structure that is not a residential unit but which has sewage producing fixtures such as sinks, baths, showers, toilets, urinals, dish- and clothes-washers or floor drains for receiving liquid waste including but not limited to only these;
(f) "desludging" means mechanized desludging;
(g) "disinfected" or "disinfection" means the use of any process designed to effectively kill most micro-organisms contained in liquid waste including essentially all pathogenic (disease causing) organisms, as indicated by the reduction of the E. coli concentration to a specific level; these processes include, but are not limited to, suitable oxidizing agents such as chlorine, ozone and ultraviolet light;
(h) "disposal system" means a generally recognized system for disposing of the discharge from a liquid waste treatment unit and includes, but is not limited to, seepage pits, drain fields, evapotranspiration systems, and sand mounds;
(i) "effluent" means liquid industrial refuse;
(j) "extended user responsibility" means the responsibility of user for environmentally sound management of water which includes but not limited to treatment, reuse, and safe disposal of the wastewater generated;
(k) "faecal sludge", including "septage" means semi–solids that accumulate in onsite sanitation systems (OSSs) e.g. pit latrines, septic tanks;
(l) "greywater" means untreated household wastewater excluding water from a liquid flushing toilet and/or urinal and includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers, washbasins, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, clothes washing machines, laundry tubs;
(m) "liquid waste" means any liquid/wastewater and associated sludge, including faecal sludge, which is discharged into the environment in such a volume, composition and manner likely to cause an alteration of quality of the environment;
(n) "liquid waste generator" means and includes every person or group of persons, every residential premises and non-residential establishments, which generate liquid waste;
(o) "liquid waste minimization" means minimization of liquid waste at its source to minimize the quantity as well as pollutants required to be treated and utilised/disposed of;
(p) "local body" for the purpose of these rules means and includes the municipal corporation, nagar nigam, municipal council, nagarpalika, municipal board, nagar panchayat and town panchayat, census towns, notified areas and notified industrial townships, Panchayati Raj Institutions with whatever name they are called in different States and Union Territories of India;
(q) "off-site water" means the domestic water supply is from a private water supply source that is neither within nor outside the premises within 100 meters of the property line of the premises; or from a public water supply source that is not within the premises;
(r) "on-site liquid waste system" means a liquid waste system located on-site where the liquid waste is generated;
(s) "residential unit" means a structure that is a residential unit which has sewage producing fixtures such as sinks, baths, showers, toilets, urinals, dish- and clothes-washers or floor drains for receiving liquid waste including but not limited to only these;
(t) "resuse responsibility" means the obligation on the bulk users and industries under Schedule II with respect to minimum reuse of treated water;
(u) "seepage pit" means a type of absorption system that uses a vertical, underground receptacle so constructed as to allow the disposal of liquid wastewater by soil absorption through the sidewalls; the maximum horizontal dimension shall not exceed the vertical dimension;
(v) "septic tank" means a liquid waste treatment unit designed to provide primary treatment and anaerobic treatment prior to utilization/disposal;
(w) "sludge" means semi-solids accumulated in wastewater stabilization ponds and other liquid waste treatment systems after reaching their full capacity;
(x) "State Pollution Control Board" means the State Pollution Control Board constituted under Section 4 of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974) and includes in relation to Union territory, the Pollution Control Committee;
(y) "storm water management" means both the quantitative and qualitative management of storm water and the functions associated with planning, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining and financing of storm water management systems;
(z) "user fee" means a fee imposed by the local body/an authorized agency on any liquid waste generator to cover full or part cost for liquid waste collection, transportation, processing and utilization/disposal services;
(aa) "wastewater" means blackwater or greywater or effluent.
(2) Words and expressions used herein but not defined, but defined in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 and the Air (prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 shall have the same meaning as assigned to them in the respective Acts.
4. Liquid waste management:- Liquid waste management includes the environmentally sound management of the following: (a) Wastewater; (b) Sludge generated during treatment of wastewater as well as faecal sludge; (c) Reuse/utilization/ disposal of treated wastewater or sludge/faecal sludge.
Chapter II
Environmentally sound management of wastewater including its reuse
1. Duties of wastewater generator:- (1) Every wastewater generator shall, (a) dispose wastewater generated, other than from industries, in drainage systems provided by local body or an agency, authorized by the local body, if any; (b) not dispose wastewater generated on open land or in water body in a manner to adversely affect environmental quality; (c) pay such user fee as notified in the byelaws or appropriate regulation of the local body after approval of the State/Union Territory Government.
2. Duties of bulk user of water:- (1) Every bulk user of water, other than industries having water consumption of more than 5000 litres per day or pollution load of more than 10 kg per day in terms of BOD; (a) shall have to register, through Form 1(A) on the centralized online portal. The certificate of registration shall specify conditions required to be fulfilled for registration to remain valid. Any change in the information provided during registration and the conditions specified in the registration shall be notified to the local body; (b) shall have Extended User Responsibility (EUR) obligation for wastewater generated based on water consumed to: (i) ensure treatment of wastewater generated; (ii) reuse treated wastewater for designated uses as per targets given in Table 1; (c) shall set up and operate on site decentralized wastewater treatment facility of requisite capacity and using appropriate technologies as per the guidance/advisory/manuals developed by MoHUA/DDWS/CPCB for treatment of wastewater generated for any new facilities/premises constructed after coming into force of these rules. In case, where the bulk user, is not able to set up on site decentralized wastewater treatment facility of requisite capacity and using appropriate technologies, for such facilities, it shall obtain exemption for corresponding quantity of wastewater from appropriate local body (within that city) or concerned authority, in order to fulfill the Extended User Responsibility obligation by purchasing EUR certificates from registered wastewater treatment facilities; (d) may set up and operate on site decentralized wastewater treatment facility of requisite capacity and using appropriate technologies as per the guidance/advisory/manuals developed by MoHUA/DDWS/CPCB for treatment of wastewater generated for any facility existing before the coming in force of these rules, which shall be mandatory, provided they are obligated under the others rule and regulation. In case, where the bulk user, is not able to set up on site decentralized wastewater treatment facility of requisite capacity and using appropriate technologies for such facilities, it shall obtain the Extended User Responsibility obligation by purchasing EUR certificates from registered wastewater treatment facilities provided the facility is linked to drainage network which is linked with wastewater treatment facility; (e) shall procure EUR certificate from registered wastewater treatment facilities and/ or ETPs/ CETPs if applicable; (f) shall establish dual piping in any newly constructed facilities/ premises after these rules come into force; (g) shall have to establish and maintain the wastewater transportation system to the point it gets connected to public drainage system or on site decentralized wastewater treatment plant, as applicable; (h) each new bulk user shall pay fee, as notified in the byelaws or appropriate regulation of the local body after approval State/Union Territory Government, to the local body for the development of sewage network as per MoHUA/DDWS guidelines which shall be used by the local bodies for the construction of sewage collection and transportation network; (i) shall prepare an Extended User Responsibility plan as per Form 1(C) to be submitted to SPCB and to the concerned local body; (j) shall have the obligation with respect to the minimum reuse of treated wastewater as per the Table 1 for new bulk users and Table 2 for existing bulk users. The assessment of the minimum reuse of the treated water shall be in respect of the total freshwater consumption. However, in case of facilities/premises not having on-site decentralized wastewater treatment facilities, such obligation will be subject to availability of treated wastewater;
TABLE 1 — Minimum reuse of the treated wastewater (percentage of water consumed), for new bulk users:
| S.No | Category of bulk user | 2027-28 | 2028-29 | 2029-30 | 2030-31 and onwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Residential Societies | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| 2 | Institutional/Commercial/Establishments viz government offices/private offices | 20 | 20 | 40 | 40 |
TABLE 2 — Minimum reuse of the treated wastewater (percentage of water consumed), for existing bulk users:
| S.No | Category of bulk user | 2027-28 | 2028-29 | 2029-30 | 2030-31 and onwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Residential Societies | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| 2 | Institutional/Commercial/Establishments viz government offices/private offices | 10 | 10 | 20 | 20 |
(k) shall procure Reuse Responsibility Certificate from registered wastewater treatment facilities or CETPs, in case the obligation with respect to the minimum reuse of treated wastewater is not met through decentralized wastewater treatment facility and/or ETP; (l) shall provide by 7th of every month quantitative data on the operation of on site decentralized wastewater treatment facility of the preceding month, including water consumed, wastewater generated, wastewater treated, reuse/sale of treated wastewater, treated wastewater discharged, sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas generated after treatment of wastewater and other relevant details as per guidelines/manuals prepared by MoHUA/DDWS/CPCB, on the centralized online portal; (m) shall file annual returns, by 30th June of every year as per Form 3, in respect of on-site decentralized wastewater treatment facility to SPCB, for the quantity of fresh water consumed, wastewater generated, wastewater treated, reuse/sale of treated wastewater along with details of users of treated wastewater in the preceding financial year. It will contain information on the quantity of sludge generated, treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas and the use of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas with details of users of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner /biogas and other relevant details on the centralized online portal; (n) shall file annual returns to SPCB in respect of EUR obligation on the centralized online portal. The details of the registered wastewater treatment facilities from where the Extended User Responsibility certificates have been procured shall be provided; (o) shall not deal with any other entity not having registration mandated under these rules.
3. Duties of operators of wastewater treatment facilities:- (1) Every operator of wastewater treatment facility: (a) shall register itself as per Form 2(A), prior to generating EUR certificate, for treated wastewater and faecal sludge treatment through the centralized online portal; (b) shall generate Extended User Responsibility certificates only to the obligated entities (bulk user of water) associated with it; (c) shall provide by 7th of every month quantitative data on the operation of wastewater treatment facility of the preceding month, through the centralized online portal including wastewater treated, reuse of treated wastewater, treated wastewater discharged, and other relevant details; (d) shall provide by 7th of every month, quantitative data on the sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas generated after treatment of wastewater, use of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas through the centralized online portal including details of users of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas, and other relevant details; (e) shall on a monthly basis provide the quantitative data, on its website which shall be available in the public domain, on the operation of wastewater treatment facility of the preceding month including wastewater treated, recovery of treated wastewater, reuse of treated wastewater, treated wastewater discharged, sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas generated after treatment of wastewater, use of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas, details of users of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas, quality of sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner and other relevant details; (f) shall also monitor the quality of treated water as well as of all the water bodies where treated water is discharged by itself or through the agency authorized by it; and the same shall be reported on a monthly basis on the centralized online portal; (g) shall ensure the qualitative testing of organic manure/soil conditioner/ any other byproduct generated after treatment of wastewater by the agencies/laboratories/testing centers authorized for this purpose by DAFW or the concerned Department, on a monthly basis and the same shall be reported on the centralized online portal; (h) shall file annual returns by 30th June of every year in respect of wastewater treatment facility to SPCB, for the quantity of fresh water consumed, wastewater generated, wastewater treated, recovery of treated wastewater, reuse/sale of treated wastewater along with details of users of treated wastewater in the preceding financial year. It will contain information on the quantity of sludge generated, treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas/any other by product and the use of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas/any other by product with details of users of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas/any other by product and other relevant details, on the centralized online portal; (i) shall file quarterly as well as annual returns to SPCB in respect of EUR certificates on the centralized online portal. The details of Extended User Responsibility certificates issued along with the details of entities associated with it procuring these EUR certificates shall be provided; (j) shall generate Reuse Responsibility Certificate through the centralized online portal which shall be procured by the industries/bulk users; (k) shall register themselves on the centralized online portal prior to generation of Reuse Responsibility Certificate for the industries; (2) shall ensure minimum recovery target of wastewater as given in the Table 3 below.
TABLE 3 — Recovery target for the year (%):
| 2027-28 | 2028-29 | 2029-30 and onwards |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | 60 | 65 |
Note for the purpose of this sub-rule: Recovery of minimum percentage target means percentage of total volume of all wastewater recovered for reuse for various utilities such as cooling towers, boilers, or for gardening, sanitation, and irrigation. Minimum recovery target is subject to the percentage of sludge content in the wastewater. In case as deemed appropriate/ required, the recovery target for the year may be reduced by a value equivalent to that of the percentage of sludge content in the wastewater.
(3) If bulk users of water and operators of decentralized wastewater treatment facilities are same entities, in such cases operator of wastewater treatment facility shall be exempted from registration and reporting requirements as laid under this section.
4. Duties of local body including public wastewater management authorities: - (1) Local body including public wastewater management authorities: (a) shall be responsible for environmentally sound management of wastewater including collection, treatment, reuse and utilization/disposal by itself or through authorized agenc(ies), as required, following guidelines issued by MoHUA/DDWS and standards prescribed by CPCB, where applicable; (b) shall prepare an action plan for environmentally sound management of wastewater in their jurisdiction including collection, treatment, reuse and utilization/disposal as per Schedule-I of these rules, taking into account areas where drainage network had already been provided and/or unsewered areas, as applicable; (c) shall ensure that there is no release of untreated wastewater on open land or in water body in a manner to adversely affect environmental quality; (d) may engage one or more authorized entities to undertake the installation, operation and maintenance of the wastewater/drainage system; (e) shall ensure that wastewater treatment plant(s) established and operated by itself or by an agency authorized by the local body, is registered with concerned SPCB through online portal; (f) shall ensure that all wastewater treatment facilities whether established and operated by itself or by an agency authorized by the local body, are geo-tagged and located on GIS map; (g) shall ensure that the applicable guidelines and standards prescribed by CPCB are adhered to by the wastewater treatment facility established and operated by itself or through its authorized agency; (h) shall also monitor the water quality of all the water bodies where treated water is discharged by itself or through the agency authorized by it; and the same shall be reported on a monthly basis on the centralized online portal; (i) shall ensure that wastewater treatment facilities under its jurisdiction recover the treated wastewater such that it can be used for the process again, or for various utilities such as cooling towers, boilers, or for gardening, sanitation, and irrigation; (j) shall file annual returns to SPCB by 30th June of every year, in regard to the wastewater generated in its jurisdiction, projection of wastewater generation for following five years, coverage of drainage network and gap, wastewater treated, wastewater reused/sold, sludge generated, treated and reused/sold, recovery of waste water after treatment, details of EUR certificates procured by obligated entities, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal. The annual return shall include wastewater treatment plant-wise information. In case, where the wastewater treatment plant is established and operated by an agency authorized by the local body, in such cases, agency authorized by the local body, shall file quarterly return in the format prescribed the local body, by 30th of the next month after completion of every quarter.
(2) Each local body for implementing provisions of these rules shall levy user fee as notified in its byelaws or regulations after approval of State/UT Government.
(3) Each local body including urban local body, Gram Panchayat, designated authority of appropriate Government handling wastewater treatment shall make provision of levy of fine or penalty for contravention of the above as notified in its byelaws or regulations after approval of State/UT Government.
5. Extended User Responsibility (EUR) Certificate for treatment of wastewater:- (1) Wastewater treatment facility(ies) shall register themselves on the centralized online portal prior to generation of EUR certificates for treated municipal wastewater and faecal sludge treatment; (2) Only registered wastewater treatment facilities and/or ETPs/CETPs are mandated to generate EUR certificate for treated wastewater through the centralized online portal which shall be procured by bulk users of water for fulfilment of EUR obligations; (3) Registered wastewater treatment plants are mandated to generate EUR certificate only for those obligated entities which are associated with it; (4) SPCB shall authorize for the issuance of EUR certificates on the centralized online portal; (5) The following formula shall be used to estimate the Extended User Responsibility certificates for wastewater treatment plants: Extended User Responsibility certificates (litres) = Quantity of wastewater received for processing (litres). Note: Extended User Responsibility certificates for recyclers shall be generated based on volume of wastewater received for processing; (6) All such transactions shall be recorded and submitted by the wastewater treatment facility on the centralized online portal at the time of filing quarterly as well as annual returns; (7) Extended User Responsibility certificates generated by the wastewater treatment facility in a particular year shall be valid for meeting the obligations of bulk users for the same year; (8) In case of a new entity obligated for wastewater treatment and reuse in the subsequent years after the publication of these rules, the Extended User Responsibility targets shall be applicable based on the declaration made in this regard; (9) Fee to be levied for generation of EUR by wastewater treatment facilities shall be finalized as per guidelines issued by CPCB in this regard; (10) Fee charged by wastewater treatment facilities for generation of each EUR certificate(s) to be shared with concerned local body & SPCB towards development and maintenance of sewage collection infrastructure by the local body, or audit of wastewater treatment facilities by SPCB, etc., in accordance with the guidelines issued by CPCB in this regard; (11) The cost of EUR certificate shall be 50% of the environmental compensation in case of non-compliance of the obligation by the obligated entity.
Chapter III
Environmentally sound management of faecal sludge
1. Duties of user of Onsite Sanitation System including septic tank, lined/unlined tank, twin pit, single pit: - (1) User of Onsite Sanitation System: (a) shall desludge septic tank as per directions issued by local body taking into account the guidelines issued MoHUA or DDWS in this regard. Septic tanks may be emptied and cleaned regularly, typically every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, to prevent overflow, blockages, or environmental contamination; (b) shall utilize desludging services provided by the local body or any service provider registered for desludging and transportation to registered faecal sludge treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility; (c) shall ensure that faecal sludge is not disposed on open land or in water body; (d) shall pay fees prescribed by the local body, as per the guidelines developed by CPCB in consultation with MoHUA & DDWS, for desludging, transportation as well as treatment of faecal sludge; (e) should avoid flushing harmful chemicals, non-biodegradable items, oils, or fats into the septic tank, as these can disrupt the bacterial action necessary for the breakdown of waste, reduce the tank's efficiency, and cause environmental harm; (f) shall ensure that the septic tank is accessible for maintenance without posing risks to workers, and that it has safe, secure covers to prevent accidents or unauthorized access; (g) shall adhere to guidelines regarding septic tank design, installation, and maintenance standards. This includes ensuring that septic systems are properly constructed and located to avoid contamination of water sources; (h) should carry out inspection of septic tanks for leaks, cracks, or any signs of malfunction is crucial. Users should ensure that repairs are conducted promptly to prevent contamination of groundwater or surface water; (i) should practice efficient water use to reduce the load on the septic system, which helps in maintaining its effectiveness and prolonging its operational lifespan.
2. Duties of operator of desludging services:- (1) The operator of the desludging services, (a) shall have to register on the centralized online portal. The certificate of registration shall specify conditions required to be fulfilled for registration to remain valid. Any change in the information provided during registration and the conditions specified in the registration shall be notified to the local body; (b) shall ensure mechanized desludging, use of PPE kits and transportation of faecal sludge is done in an environmentally sound manner; (c) shall establish and maintain faecal sludge transportation system to the point it gets connected to registered faecal sludge treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility; (d) shall get fees from user of Onsite Sanitation System for desludging, transportation and treatment of faecal sludge and provide a share to registered faecal sludge treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility where the faecal sludge is transported as well as to the local body and SPCB, as prescribed by the local bodies as per the guidelines; (e) shall provide by 7th of every month quantitative data on the operation of services in the preceding month, including number of on site sanitation facilities desludged, quantity of faecal sludge desludged and transported, details of registered faecal sludge treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility where the faecal sludge is transported, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal; (f) shall file annual returns to SPCB by 30th June of every year, in respect of number of on site sanitation facilities desludged, quantity of faecal sludge desludged and transported, details of registered faecal sludge treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility where the faecal sludge is transported, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal.
3. Duties of operator of faecal sludge treatment facilities: (1) The operator of faecal sludge treatment facilities shall: (a) shall have to register on the centralized online portal. The certificate of registration shall specify conditions required to be fulfilled for registration to remain valid. Any change in the information provided during registration and the conditions specified in the registration shall be notified to the local body; (b) shall ensure that their facility is in accordance with the standards or guidelines prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board; (c) shall ensure that it carries out any activity in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board; (d) shall ensure that the faecal sludge is treated as per relevant guidelines; (e) shall ensure that hazardous waste generated from any activity of the entity is managed as per the provisions under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016; (f) shall ensure that their facilities are geo tagged; (g) shall provide by 7th of every month quantitative data on the operation of faecal sludge treatment facility of the preceding month, regarding quantity of faecal sludge received, quantity of faecal sludge treated including generation of organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas/other products if any, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal; (h) shall on a monthly basis provide the quantitative data, on its website which shall be available in the public domain, on the operation of onsite sanitation system of the preceding month including sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas generated after treatment of wastewater, use/sale of treated sludge/organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas, details of users of treated sludge/organic manure/biogas, quality of sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner and other relevant details; (i) shall file annual returns by 30th June of every year in respect of the operation of faecal sludge treatment facility of the preceding month to SPCB, for quantity of faecal sludge received, quantity of faecal sludge treated including generation of organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas/other products if any, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal; (j) shall get the fees collected by the desludging service provider as prescribed by the local bodies as per the guidelines in this regard; (k) shall not deal with any other entity not having registration mandated under these rules; (l) shall ensure the qualitative testing of organic manure/soil conditioner/other products if any generated after treatment of faecal sludge by the agencies/laboratories/testing centers authorized for this purpose by DAFW or other concerned Department, on a monthly basis.
4. Duties of local body:- (1) Each local body, (a) shall be responsible for environmentally sound management faecal sludge by itself or through authorized agency, as required, following guidelines developed by MoHUA/DDWS and standards prescribed by CPCB, as applicable; (b) may engage operators of desludging service providers as well as faecal sludge treatment facilities on an exclusive basis as well as in as many numbers that may ensure economic feasibility of such operators; (c) shall ensure that there is no release of untreated faecal sludge on land or in water body; (d) shall develop an action plan for environmentally sound management of faecal sludge generated in the area under their jurisdiction including collection, treatment, and utilizations/disposal as per Schedule I, following guidelines issued by MoHUA/DDWS, as applicable; (e) shall, for the purpose of developing the action plan for environmentally sound management of faecal sludge, as appropriate and applicable, carry out a study to estimate quantity of faecal sludge being generated especially from households and people not connected to sewage network and projection, type and size of OSS used by the households such as septic tank, lined/unlined tank, twin pit, single pit, size of the OSS, frequency of desludging, and current disposal of sludge and the supernatant liquor, and characteristics of faecal sludge, choice of treatment and disposal methods, infrastructure in place for collection, treatment, and disposal and gap. The characterization of faecal sludge should consider various parameters, including pH, solids concentration, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and pathogens. The guidelines issued by MoHUA/DDWS and standards prescribed by CPCB, as applicable, shall be followed while developing the action plan; (f) shall ensure that only registered desludging service provider or the local body itself undertakes desludging operation in the area under their jurisdiction; (g) shall ensure that only registered faecal sludge treatment facilities or the local body itself undertakes treatment of faecal sludge in the area under their jurisdiction; (h) shall ensure that desludging vehicles of all desludging service providers including those of the local body have GPS tracking system installed along with flow monitoring meter to monitor discharge rate along with location of discharge of faecal sludge; (i) shall ensure that collected faecal sludge is transported for treatment only at registered faecal sludge treatment facility; (j) shall make provision, as appropriate and practicable, for handling requests of citizens for regular desludging on onsite sanitation systems using IT based tools as per Schedule-I; (k) shall develop monitoring framework for ensuring collection, transport, treatment and disposal of faecal sludge in an environmentally sound manner, using IT based tools as appropriate as per Schedule-I; (l) shall file annual returns to SPCB by 30th June of every year in regard to the faecal sludge generated in its jurisdiction, projection of faecal sludge generation, coverage of faecal sludge management network and gap, faecal sludge treated including generation of organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas/other products if any, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal. The annual return shall include faecal sludge treatment facility-wise information. In case, where the faecal sludge treatment facility is established and operated by an agency authorized by the local body, in such cases, agency authorized by the local body, shall file quarterly return by 30th of the next month after completion of every quarter; (m) shall make provision of levy of fine or penalty for contravention of the above in relevant byelaws or regulations;
Chapter IV
Treatment and reuse of wastewater by industry
1. Duties of Industries:- (1) Industries having water consumption of more than 5000 LPD or pollution load above 10 kg per day in terms of BOD: (a) shall have to register on the centralized online portal. The certificate of registration shall specify conditions required to be fulfilled for registration to remain valid. Any change in the information provided during registration and the conditions specified in the registration shall be notified to the local body; (b) shall comply with the effluent discharge standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), as outlined in the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; (c) shall adhere to limits on pollutants such as pH, suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), heavy metals, and specific toxic substances depending on the industry type; (d) shall install and properly maintain ETP(s) or make use of Common Effluent Treatment facilities (CETPs) to treat industrial effluents to prescribed standards before utilization/discharge; (e) shall adopt Zero Liquid Discharge systems, where applicable or mandated under law or treat wastewater as per extant regulations; ensuring that no liquid effluent is discharged outside the industrial premises, particularly in water-scarce areas or as mandated by regulations for certain high-polluting industries; (f) shall minimize freshwater intake and reduce environmental discharge loads through reuse of treated effluent/wastewater within industrial processes. Industries should explore closed-loop systems and water conservation technologies; (g) shall obtain and adhere to Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the respective SPCBs, ensuring that all effluent management activities align with the specific conditions laid down in these consents; (h) shall adopt cleaner production techniques, process modifications, and advanced treatment technologies to reduce effluent volume and pollutant load; (i) shall undertake regular training and capacity building for staff on effluent management best practices, technology use, and compliance requirements; (j) shall develop and implement an emergency response plan for accidental releases or failures of effluent management systems, including notification procedures, containment measures, and corrective actions; (k) shall disclose relevant information about effluent management practices and compliance status; (l) may ensure adequate financial resources are allocated for the installation, operation, maintenance, and upgrade of effluent treatment and monitoring systems; (m) shall reuse treated waste water in water intensive operations as per the prescribed guidelines; (n) shall provide by 7th of every month, quantitative data on the operation of ETP in respect of water consumed, wastewater generated, wastewater treated, reuse/sale of treated wastewater, quality of treated water discharged, sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas generated after treatment of wastewater and other relevant details on the centralized online portal; (o) shall file annual returns by 30th June of every year to SPCB in respect of ETP, for water consumed, wastewater generated, wastewater treated, reuse/sale of treated wastewater, quality of treated water discharged, sludge and/or organic manure/soil conditioner/biogas generated after treatment of wastewater, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal; (p) shall provide by 7th of every month, quantitative data in respect of water consumed, wastewater generated, wastewater sent to CETP for treatment, and other relevant details on the centralized online portal, in case the industry does not have ETP; (q) Industries given in Schedule-II shall have the obligation with respect to the minimum reuse of treated wastewater as per the Table 4 below. The assessment of the minimum use of the treated water shall be in respect of the total fresh water consumption. The reuse target also includes use of treated industrial effluent by the industry, subject to the certification by SPCB concerned;
TABLE 4 — Minimum use of the treated wastewater:
| S.No | Category | 2027-28 | 2028-29 | 2029-30 | 2030-31 and onwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial units | 60 | 70 | 80 | 90 |
(r) shall procure Reuse Responsibility Certificate from registered wastewater treatment facilities or CETPs, in case the obligation with respect to the minimum reuse of treated wastewater is not met through decentralized wastewater treatment facility and/or ETP; (s) shall comply with the guidelines for reuse of treated wastewater as well as for recovery of wastewater, developed by CPCB in this regard; (t) shall not deal with any other entity not having registration mandated under these rules. (2) Industries located in Over-exploited, Critical and Semi-critical areas as per CGWB report on "National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2022" shall proactively take measures for reuse of treated wastewater.
2. Duties of operator of ETP/CETP:- (1) Each ETP/CETP operator, (a) shall regularly monitor the quality of treated effluents using in-house facilities or third-party laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL); (b) shall submit regular reports on effluent quality to the SPCBs, including data on pollutants as specified by consent conditions. Online monitoring systems may also be mandated for continuous real-time data submission; (c) shall ensure proper handling, treatment, and utilization/disposal of sludge generated ensuring that it is not released untreated into the environment, disposed of in accordance with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016; (d) shall ensure minimum recovery of wastewater as per Table 5 below; TABLE 5 — Recovery target for the year (%): 2027-28: 70; 2028-29: 80; 2029-30 and onwards: 90. Minimum recovery target is subject to sludge content percentage, reducible by an equivalent value; (e) can receive wastewater other than wastewater from industries; (f) shall generate Reuse Responsibility Certificates through the centralized online portal procured by industries and/or bulk users; (g) can generate EUR certificate for bulk users only to the extent of wastewater received other than wastewater from industries; (h)-(m) monthly/annual reporting duties to SPCB/CPCB and website disclosure on ETP/CETP operation, sludge/organic manure/biogas generated, quality, and users (mirroring duties in Chapters II-IV); (n) shall file annual returns to SPCB in respect of EUR certificate and Reuse Responsibility Certificate, as applicable, with details of entities procuring these certificates. (2) If industries having water consumption of more than 5000 LPD or pollution load of more than 10 kg per day in terms of BOD are themselves operators of ETPs, such ETP operators are exempted from registration/reporting requirements.
3. Extended User Responsibility (EUR) Certificate for treatment of wastewater:- ETPs/CETPs shall register on the centralized online portal prior to generating EUR certificates for treated wastewater other than industrial wastewater, procurable by bulk users; SPCB authorizes issuance; formula: EUR certificates (litres) = Quantity of wastewater received for processing (litres); certificates generated in a particular year are valid for meeting bulk-user obligations for that year.
Chapter V
General Obligations for sludge/ faecal sludge handling entities including wastewater treatment facilities, ETPs, CETPs, faecal sludge treatment facilities
(1) Regular testing and analysis of sludge/faecal sludge for heavy metals, pathogens, organic matter and other contaminants for classification. (2) Categorize sludge/faecal sludge as hazardous or non-hazardous per Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. (3) Employ suitable treatment processes (anaerobic digestion, composting, thermal drying, chemical stabilization) to reduce pathogens, volume, odour. (4) Ensure stabilization to minimize environmental impact and prevent leaching. (5) Promote use of treated sludge/faecal sludge as soil conditioner/organic manure meeting quality standards specified by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. (6) Where reuse is not feasible, dispose in designated landfills complying with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. (7) Implement routine monitoring of sludge/faecal sludge management practices. (8) Submit regular reports to SPCBs/CPCB on treatment methods, compliance, non-compliance incidents. (9) Comply with Environment Protection Act 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and CPCB/SPCB guidelines. (10) Secure necessary permits/approvals from CPCB and/or SPCB. (11) Implement measures to reduce sludge/faecal sludge generation through process optimization and water conservation. (12) Employ dewatering/drying techniques to reduce volume. (13) Ensure worker safety via PPE, training, occupational safety standards. (14) Regular health checks and monitoring of workers. (15) Inform and educate local community about sludge management practices, odours, health risks, environmental impacts. (16) Maintain transparency, making information available to public and stakeholders. (17) Collaborate with industries, research institutions, and international bodies to share best practices. (18) All entities (other than wastewater/faecal sludge treatment facilities, ETPs/CETPs) engaged in sludge/faecal sludge treatment shall be registered on the centralized online portal and file annual returns on sludge/faecal sludge received, processed, and treated by-product sold.
Chapter VI
Implementation framework
1. Centralised Online Portal:- (1) CPCB shall establish an online system for registration and filing of annual returns of all obligated entities within six months of commencement of these rules; shall also ensure SPCB registration/annual returns for liquid waste management within the State/UT within six months. (2) System shall reflect audit details of registered generators and entities involved in collection, treatment/recycling and reuse. (3) System shall ensure a mechanism for volume balance of wastewater per EUR obligations of bulk users and non-obligated entities, and audit details of obligated entities. (4) CPCB may charge fees from obligated entities for portal services per CPCB guidelines. (5) Details received from wastewater/faecal sludge treatment facilities/ETP/CETP facilities on a monthly basis on the CPCB online portal shall be made available in the public domain.
2. Imposition of Environmental Compensation:- (1) Environmental Compensation shall be levied on polluter-pays principle for: (a) entities carrying out activities without registration mandated under these rules; (b) providing false information/wilful concealment of material facts by registered entities; (c) submission of forged/manipulated documents; (d) entities engaged in collection, treatment and reuse not following sound handling of wastewater/treated wastewater. (2) Implementation Committee constituted by CPCB under rule 4 of Chapter VI shall prepare guidelines for imposition and collection of environmental compensation from obligated entities in case of violation or non-compliance. (3) Environmental compensation shall be levied by SPCB on bulk users for non-fulfilment of Extended User Responsibility targets/responsibilities/obligations. (4) Environmental compensation shall be levied by respective SPCB on entities involved in collection, recycling/treatment and reuse of wastewater and/or sludge/faecal sludge for non-fulfilment of responsibilities/obligations; where SPCB does not act in reasonable time, CPCB shall issue directions to SPCB. (5) Funds collected under environmental compensation shall be kept in a separate account by SPCB, utilized in collection, treatment and reuse of uncollected/non-treated/unused wastewater and/or sludge/faecal sludge against which the compensation is levied; modalities recommended by Implementation Committee and approved by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. (6)(a) Providing incorrect information for obtaining EUR certificates, using or causing to be used false/forged EUR certificates, wilfully violating directions given under these rules, or failing to cooperate in verification/audit — action under Sections 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 may be taken. (b) Where obligated entity does not fulfil EUR obligation even three years after the year of obligation — action under the same Sections may be taken. (c) Action under the same Sections may also be taken for violation of any other provisions of these rules. (d) This action shall be in addition to environmental compensation levied under these rules and any other applicable law.
3. Committee for Effective Implementation at Central level:- A committee shall be constituted by CPCB under chairpersonship of Chairman, CPCB to recommend measures to Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for effective implementation of these rules. The committee shall monitor implementation, take measures for removal of difficulties, guide and supervise development/operation of the online centralised portal. The recovery target may be reviewed by the Implementation Committee at least once every four years in light of technical/scientific progress and emerging technologies, with recommendations to the Ministry. The committee shall comprise representatives from concerned Central Ministries/Departments, all SPCBs, expert institutions such as National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, and stakeholders such as associations representing obligated entities and treatment facility providers.
4. Committee for Effective Implementation at State level:- A committee shall be constituted by SPCB under chairpersonship of Chairman, SPCB to recommend measures to CPCB for effective implementation at state level, monitor implementation, take measures for removal of difficulties. The committee shall comprise representatives from concerned State Departments, all SPCBs, expert institutions such as National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, and stakeholders.
5. Annual Reports:- (1) Every registered bulk user (Form 3), wastewater treatment facility (quarterly report per Form 4) and faecal sludge treatment facility shall prepare and submit online an annual report to the local body and SPCB concerned by 30th June every year. (2) Every urban local body and Panchayat at District Level shall prepare and submit online an annual report to the Urban Development Department/Rural Development Department respectively, and to SPCB, by 30th June every year. (3) SPCB shall cause the report submitted by urban local body/Panchayat at District level to be audited by itself or through a designated agency; the audit report and annual report shall be made available on SPCB's website. (4) SPCB shall prepare and submit online an annual report to CPCB on implementation of these rules by 31st July every year. (5) CPCB shall prepare a consolidated annual report and submit to the Central Government along with recommendations on or before 31st August every year.
Chapter VII
Role and Responsibilities
1. Role of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:- MoEFCC shall be responsible for overall monitoring and implementation of these rules in the country. It shall constitute a Central Monitoring Committee under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, MoEFCC comprising officers not below the rank of Joint Secretary or Advisor from: (i) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (ii) Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (iii) Ministry of Panchayati Raj (iv) Department of Rural Development (v) Department of Fertilizers (vi) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (vii) Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (viii) Department of Expenditure (ix) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (x) Central Pollution Control Board (xi) Three State Pollution Control Boards by rotation (xii) Three Municipal Commissioners by rotation (xiii) Three CEOs District Panchayat, by rotation, Local bodies (ULBs/PRIs) (xiv) Two Academic/Research Institutes/Universities (xv) Two industry associations.
2. Role of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs:- MoHUA shall coordinate with States/UTs and local bodies to: (a) review measures for improving liquid waste management practices and execution of MoHUA-funded projects at least once a year, facilitating corrective measures; (b) formulate state policy/strategy on wastewater and sludge/faecal sludge management (rural-urban linkages); (c) prepare and upload the state policy/strategy by 31 March 2026; (d) designate nodal/co-nodal departments dealing with urban/municipal affairs for implementation in urban areas; (e) promote R&D and disseminate information; (f) undertake training and capacity building; (g) provide technical guidelines and project finance; (h) facilitate ULBs/operators to retrofit treatment facilities with sludge processing or link to sludge processing facilities under circular economy; (i) formulate awareness strategies on by-product use; (j) develop strategies for recycle & reuse of treated sludge with State/UT Urban Development Department; (k) undertake capacity building/training of personnel; (l) disseminate national/international successful models to ULBs; (m) develop awareness creation strategy; (n) facilitate ULBs to notify fines for dumping sludge/faecal sludge into landfill; (o) formulate guidelines for user fees for long-term sustainability; (p) facilitate use of treated water for non-potable purposes (flushing, gardening, agriculture, horticulture, industrial, municipal dust mitigation/road washing, construction, water body rejuvenation) per CPCB guidelines; (q) prepare/share model tender documents, drawings, estimates with model DPRs for different capacity facilities; (r) prepare guidelines for procurement, financing, engagement of service providers; (s) incorporate circular economy concept into existing missions (SBM, Smart City, etc.) and take up projects.
3. Role of Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation:- DDWS shall coordinate with States/UTs and local bodies for rural areas, mirroring MoHUA's role above but for rural wastewater/faecal sludge management: reviewing measures, facilitating state policy/strategy for rural areas (uploaded by 31 March 2026), designating rural sanitation department as nodal and Panchayati Raj institutions department as co-nodal, promoting R&D, training/capacity building, technical guidelines/financial assistance, facilitating fine notification for landfill dumping, facilitating retrofit/linkage of treatment facilities under circular economy, formulating awareness strategies, developing recycle/reuse strategies with State Rural Sanitation Department, capacity building at State/PRI level, disseminating models to PRIs, facilitating guidelines for user fees, facilitating use of treated water for non-potable purposes by PRIs, preparing model tender documents/DPRs for PRIs, facilitating procurement/financing guidelines, and incorporating circular economy into missions such as SBM.
4. Role of Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:- (a) facilitate development of standards under Fertilizer Control Order for sludge/faecal sludge use as organic manure/soil conditioner; (b) prepare guidelines for application of organic manure/soil conditioner on agricultural land; (c) develop guidelines for quality checks of organic manure/soil conditioner produced by treatment facilities; (d) engage with State agricultural departments to promote compost testing facilities.
5. Role of Department of Fertilizers:- (a) incentivise by-products from treatment facilities to be used as organic manure/soil conditioner; (b) extend market development assistance to organic manure/soil conditioner from treatment facilities.
6. Role of State/UT government:- (a) take measures for viability gap funding for wastewater collection/transportation network/treatment facilities; (b) ensure fee collected by local bodies is used in installation, operation and maintenance of infrastructure; (c) undertake activities for improving acceptability of treated sewage reuse including IEC guidelines/framework; (d) implement/upgrade STPs/ETPs/CETPs and improve drainage network coverage to meet 100% treatment capacity and ensure proper O&M; (e) set up a State level Steering Committee on circular economy in wastewater/sludge/faecal sludge treatment & reuse/use of by-products; (f) prepare State wastewater/sludge/faecal sludge treatment/recycling & reuse/use of by-products policy including industry-specific business models; (g) set up a State level wastewater/sludge/faecal sludge treatment/recycling & reuse/use of by-products Fund; (h) incentivize residential societies and bulk users to have decentralized wastewater treatment facilities and reuse treated wastewater; (i) ensure local bodies have all wastewater/faecal sludge treatment facilities onboarded on SPCB portal; (j) recognise/award best performing wastewater/faecal sludge management facility in the State/UT (urban and rural); (k) organise a one-week annual campaign to review O&M of treatment facilities in the second week of June each year; (l) promote PPP mode models for STPs/CETPs/ETPs/faecal sludge management facilities and reuse of treated wastewater and by-products.
7. Role of ULBs and PRIs/GPs:- All local bodies shall: (a) prepare an action plan for liquid waste management per state policy/strategy and Schedule I, from the date of notification, submit a copy to State Government/UT Administration departments or authorized agency, and upload on eGS portal and CPCB centralized portal; the action plan shall cover: (i) wastewater generation (ii) sludge generated from wastewater treatment facility including decentralized facility (iii) faecal sludge management sub-plan including generation, collection, transport infrastructure, treatment infrastructure (iv) measures for providing requisite liquid waste management infrastructure with timelines if a generation-treatment capacity gap exists (v) measures for ensuring sustainability in operation, including through levy of user fee (vi) measures for ensuring reuse of treated wastewater and use of by-products; (b) upload the action plan on the local body website and centralized online portal; (c) organize awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives, community-based activities including a week-long pre-monsoon campaign, and file returns to SPCB by 30th June every year; (d) ensure silt removed from desilting of drains/drainage network is disposed environmentally soundly per CPCB guidelines, and file annual returns to SPCB; (e) facilitate/undertake construction, O&M of wastewater/faecal sludge management facilities and associated infrastructure (own, private sector participation, or agency) for optimum recycling/treatment/utilisation adhering to CPCB guidelines; (f) assess current/future wastewater generation including sludge on an annual basis, upload to centralized online portal by 30 June annually; (g) assess present/future water requirements in jurisdiction (excluding agricultural uses) and upload by 30 June annually, including sectoral demand; (h) establish data reporting and monitoring mechanism for wastewater/faecal sludge management; (i) ensure monitoring of wastewater treatment (centralized and decentralized)/faecal sludge treatment facilities; (j) levy user fee as notified in byelaws/regulation after State/UT Government approval; (k) ensure geo-tagging of wastewater/faecal sludge management facilities; (l) link decentralized wastewater/faecal sludge management facilities to nearest treatment facilities for treatment/processing of untreated components; (m) assess existing toilets and septic tanks through surveys and create a database for each household on toilets, septic tanks, soak pits, updated on centralized online portal via mobile application/reporting systems, with automatic reminder sent to households after 3 years to clean the septic tank; (n) link each wastewater/CETP/ETP/faecal sludge management facility with one academic institution; (o) develop online grievance redressal mechanism per Schedule-I and report annually on complaints received, resolved, pending; (p) use digital technologies (GPS-based vehicle tracking/monitoring, web-enabled real-time monitoring, customer/operator signature capture, automatic desludging reports, customer requisition apps, grievance redressal, technical assistance, real-time data capture with minimal human intervention) for wastewater/faecal sludge management. (2) In rural areas of the District, registration and reporting compliance under these rules shall be done by District level Panchayati Raj Institution.
8. Role of Department of Revenue:- (1) Exemption in Customs/GST on plants/machinery to make biogas, electricity, as well as sludge dewatering equipment. (2) Formulate guidelines to finance wastewater/faecal sludge treatment facilities.
9. Role of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:- (1) Incentivise buying of biogas produced from sludge. (2) Develop guidelines for mandatory buying of biogas by oil and gas companies.
10. Role of Central Pollution Control Board:- (1) Issue guidelines and standards for environmentally sound procedures of collection, recycling/treatment and reuse of wastewater as well as sludge/faecal sludge. (2) Issue guidelines about technologies and standards with regard to recycling/treatment and reuse of wastewater/by-products of sludge/faecal sludge. (3) Issue guidelines for environmental sound management of silt obtained from desilting of drains/drainage network. (4) Compile and publish the data received every year from the State Pollution Control Boards. (5) Constitute an implementation committee under chairmanship of Chairman, CPCB for effective implementation, meeting at least once in six months to submit report/recommendations to MoEFCC. (6) Carry out review of technologies related to treatment of wastewater for techno-economic viability, including recovery of wastewater. (7) Develop a centralized online system on its own or through a third party. (8) Strengthen mechanism for restricting discharge of polluted wastewater and disposal of sludge from treatment facilities/ETPs/CETPs. (9) Strengthen monitoring of wastewater management (generation quality/quantity), reuse and safe disposal via an independent mechanism apart from CPCB/SPCBs. (10) Develop and upload centralized online portal training materials and SOPs for capacity building of stakeholders. (11) Prepare guidelines for user fees. (12) Prepare guidelines for environmental compensation for non-compliance. (13) Prepare guidelines for sludge/faecal sludge recycle & reuse policy. (14) Ensure testing of organic manure quality by itself or third party. (15) Ensure test reports uploaded on centralized online portal monthly by facility operators. (16) Prepare guidelines (SOPs) for desludging of soak pits/septic tanks including mechanical devices, frequency, transportation protocols, servicing, record-keeping. (17) Develop reporting modules for water body quality reporting by concerned stakeholders. (18) Develop guideline for regular monitoring framework and testing protocol for treated sludge and wastewater. (19) Issue guidelines for imposition of landfill disposal fee on operators; modify/prescribe forms as required. (20) Issue guidelines for implementation of various provisions. (21) Prepare guidelines for long-term sustainability of treatment facilities, including mandating institutions/government offices/private agencies/bus stands/offices/schools to periodically empty septic tanks and send sludge to FSTP/co-treatment plant, incentivising households to empty septic tanks at 3-year intervals via reduced-fee desludging, removing physical roadblocks/ensuring clear access roads, siting new FSTPs so desludging remains financially viable. (22) Prepare guidelines for institutional/governance aspects (regulations, record-keeping, MIS reporting, monitoring/feedback systems, revenue sources for faecal sludge management). (23) Prepare technology compendium on wastewater recycling. (24) Establish linkage with AMRUT and NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga) and relevant stakeholders. (25) All registrations, filing of returns and compliances shall be on CPCB's online portal, information in public domain. (26) Develop guidelines for audit of wastewater treatment facilities (centralized/decentralized), ETPs/CETPs, faecal sludge/desludging/transportation operators, and entities engaged in sludge/faecal sludge treatment/processing for utilization.
11. Role of State Pollution Control Board:- (1) Register obligated entities, through Form 1(B) for bulk users of water and Form 2(B) for operators of wastewater treatment facility, via centralized online portal, within two weeks from submission of a completed application. (2) Charge fee for processing applications/returns per CPCB guidelines. (3) Authorize issuance of EUR certificates and Reuse Responsibility Certificates. (4) Impose landfill disposal fee on operators per CPCB guidelines; fee collected given to concerned local body for environmentally sound management of treated sludge at landfill. (5) Ensure facilities under its jurisdiction comply with minimum recovery target of wastewater. (6) Share EUR plan of bulk users and registration details with concerned local bodies. (7) Suspend and/or cancel registration, and/or impose environmental compensation, for non-compliance of EUR obligations per Schedule II after giving reasonable opportunity of being heard. (8) Ensure compliance by registered entities. (9) Registration/renewal deemed issued if not objected to within two weeks. (10) Verify compliance through inspection and periodic audit by itself or a designated agency. (11) Carry out audit of data, including using GST Network portal information, by itself or a designated agency. (12) Suspend/cancel registration of bulk users and/or impose environmental compensation for violations; appeal against SPCB orders regarding suspension/cancellation, through Form 5, lies with CPCB and disposed within 45 days of submission. (13) Bring out and publish annual list of entities not fulfilling EUR obligations; compile and forward quarterly reports of recycling entities to CPCB, publish online. (14) Ensure regular dialogue between stakeholders. (15) Submit annual report to CPCB by 30th June every year on effective implementation. (16) Monitor water quality at each stretch of water bodies where treatment facility/ETP/CETP discharges or direct discharges occur, through OCEMS, published on centralized online portal annually by 30 June of succeeding year. (17) Verify self-reporting of soil, ground water, surface water quality on bi-annual basis by local body in case of ground water pumping or open area drainage of wastewater/faecal sludge. (18) Carry out IEC activities for improving acceptability of treated wastewater reuse with active engagement of bulk users. (19) Impose environmental compensation on indiscriminate dumping of sludge. (20) Carry out audit of wastewater treatment facilities and faecal sludge treatment facilities every year by 30 September, by itself or through empanelled agencies. (21) Publish audit reports by 31 December every year on centralized online portal. (22) Ensure facilities are maintained by skilled/certified professionals. (23) Ensure geo-tagging of facilities. (24) Designate third-party technically sound partners/advisors for technical assistance in establishment/O&M. (25) All registrations, filing of returns and compliances shall be on the centralized online portal, information in public domain.
SCHEDULE-I
[Chapter II, Rule 4(b), Chapter III, Rule 4(d), Rule 4(k), Chapter VII Rule 7(1)(o)]
Timelines for compliance
| S.No | Population | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| — Urban areas — | | |
| 1 | million plus cities | 31 March 2025 |
| 2 | 5-10 lakh | 31 March 2026 |
| 3 | 1-5 lakh | 31 March 2027 |
| 4 | all urban areas | 31 March 2028 |
| — Rural areas — | | |
| 1 | 20000 and above | 31 March 2026 |
| 2 | 10000-20000 | 31 March 2027 |
| 3 | 5000-10000 | 31 March 2028 |
| 4 | 1000-5000 | 31 March 2029 |
| 5 | all rural areas | 31 March 2030 |
SCHEDULE-II
[Chapter IV Rule 1(q), Chapter VII Rule 11(7)]
List of industries identified for reuse of wastewater
(i) Thermal Power plants (ii) Pulp and Paper (iii) Textile Industry (iv) Iron and Steel industry
Form 1(A)
[Application to be submitted by bulk user of water] [See rule 2(a)]
Fields: 1. Name of user 2. Registered address of bulk user, website address and contact details 3. Name of the authorized person(s) and full address with e-mail, landline telephone number and mobile number 4. GST No. 5. TIN No. 6. Type(s) of water used with application purpose along with the quantities (in volume)
General Terms and Conditions: (a) The registered entity shall comply with provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and the rules made thereunder; (b) Any change in the approved Extended User Responsibility form should be informed to Central Pollution Control Board.
Place: Date: Signature of the authorized person:
Form 1(B)
[Format for grant of registration to user by State Pollution Control Board] [See rule 11(1)]
Ref.: Your application number for registration dt. Registration No.: … M/s---- is hereby granted registration as generator of wastewater in line with provisions under Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024. Any violation of the provision(s) of the Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024 will attract Environmental Compensation and the penal provision of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986). (Member Secretary) State Pollution Control Board. Date: Place:
Form 1 (C)
[Format for submission of Extended User Responsibility plan by the bulk user] [See rule 2(i), 11(3)]
Fields: 1. Name of user 2. Registered address of bulk user, website address and contact details 3. Name of the authorized person(s) and full address with e-mail, landline telephone number and mobile number 4. GST No. 5. TIN No. 6. Type(s) of water used with application purpose along with the quantities (in volume). Date: Place: Signature of the authorized person:
Form 2(A)
[Application to be submitted by owner of liquid waste treatment facility for grant of registration/renewal of registration] [See Rules 3(a)]
Fields: Name of the owner; Registered address and website address; Phone No. (landline and mobile); Email ID; Authorized person(s) Name; Authorized person(s) Email ID; Authorized person Mobile No.; GST No.; Consent Validity (a. Under Air Act, 1981; Valid up to – b. Under Water Act, 1974; Valid up to –); Validity of Authorisation under rule 6 of the Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016 (Valid up to -); Validity of certification of registration with District Industries Centre (Valid up to –); Capacity of recycling unit(s) in (MTA) (a. Installed b. Operating (details of last three years)). Signature of the authorized person. Place: Date:
Form 2(B)
[Format for grant of registration/renewal of registration to owner of liquid waste treatment facility by State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees] [See Rule 11(1)]
Ref.: Your application number for registration dt. Registration No.: … M/s---- is hereby granted registration for recycling of wastewater in line with provisions under Water Waste Management Rules, 2022 [sic]. The registration shall be valid for a period of years from date of issue. Any violation of the provision(s) of the Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024 will attract environmental compensation and the penal provision of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986). (Member Secretary) State Pollution Control Board. Date: Place:
Form 3
[Annual returns to be submitted by bulk user by 30th day of June of the following financial year] [See rule 2(m), 6(1)]
Fields: 1. Name of user 2. Registered address of user, website address and contact details 3. Name of the authorized person(s) and full address with e-mail, landline telephone number and mobile number 4. Details of volume of water used during the financial year of which the return is being filed 5. Type(s) of water used with application purpose along with the quantities in volume 6. Details of Extended User Responsibility obligation(s) and the wastewater collected and treated for which the return is being filed 7. Details of Extended User Responsibility certificates 8. Details of reuse/sale of treated water 9. Details of recovery of treated water. Signature of the authorized person: Place: Date:
Form 4
[Quarterly return to be submitted by liquid waste treatment facility to State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees by end of the month succeeding the end of the quarter]
Fields: 1. Name of the owner 2. Registered address 3. Email Id 4. Phone No. 5. Name of authorized person(s) 6. GST Number 7. Registration No. With State Pollution Control Board 8. Capacity of treatment/processing in (MTA or relevant unit) (a. Installed b. Operating (details of last three years)) 9. Details of wastewater collected from different entities including bulk user(s) [Table: S.No | Type of Water | Details of entities from whom the water is collected for recycling] 10. Details of wastewater treated 11. Details of sludge/faecal sludge generated/received and utilized/disposed/sold 12. Extended User Responsibility certificate details (No. of certificates issued user-wise). Signature of the authorized person. Place: Date:
Form 5
[Form of appeal] [See rule 11(9)]
*(Here mention the name & designation of the authority) Before* … Appellate Authority constituted under sub-rule -- of rule -- or sub-rule - of rule -- of the Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024. Memorandum of appeal of Shri … (Appellant) Vs The State Pollution Control Board -(Respondent). The appeal of Shri ___, resident of ___, District ___, State ___ against the order No.___ dated ___ passed by the Central Pollution Control Board/State Pollution Control Board under rule ___of the Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024. as follows: Under rule of the Liquid Waste Management Rules, 2024. (a) The appellant has been granted registration subject to the conditions mentioned in the registration order in respect of the entity ___ noted below: Name of the entity: Address: CIN Number.: A copy of the registration order in question is attached hereto. (b) The facts of the case are as under: (here briefly mention the facts of the case) (c) The grounds on which the appellant relies the purpose of this appeal are as below:- (here mention the grounds on which appeal is made) 1. 2. 3. (d) In the light of what is stated above, the appellant respectfully prayed that (i) the unreasonable condition(s) imposed should be treated as annulled or it/they should be constituted for such other conditions is it appears to be reasonable or (ii) the unreasonable condition(s) ___ should be varied on the following manner (here mention the manner in which the condition(s) objected).
Signature of the Applicant
Verification: I (appellant's name) in the above Memorandum of appeal/or/duly authorized agent do/does hereby declare that what it stated therein is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been hidden thereunder. Name (in Block letters) Occupation Address Date:
*Strike out what is not applicable.
[F. No-12/122/2022-HSM]
NARESH PAL GANGWAR, Addl. Secy.
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