India

Established in 1985, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) is the central government agency responsible for planning, promotion and coordination of all national environmental activities, including policy formulation, standard setting, and regulation.

West Bengal establishes compliance assistance center based on experience from the Philippines, Thailand and U.S.

Challenge

PM Manmohan Singh said the regulator would also ensure the compliance of "green norms" by industry.

India's environment ministry has been often embroiled in controversy over how to balance development with the preservation of the environment.

This has led to the delay of a number of projects across the country.

Announcing the setting up of the independent National Environment Appraisal and Monitoring Authority, Mr Singh said it will "lead to a complete change in the process of granting environmental clearances".

Read full story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14271439

During May 24-27, 2011, the AECEN Environmental Compliance Assistance Center Task Force composed of officials from India, Thailand and the Philippines met in Hong Kong and Bangkok to develop a toolkit on establishing environmental compliance assistance centers. During a meeting in Hong Kong, the Task Force met with officials from the Government of Hong Kong to exchange discussions related to establishment, operation and management of compliance assistance centers.

As India accelerates its response to the environment challenges that face its growing economy, the World Bank too has stepped up its financial support for the government's various environment management and protection programs.

Read the press release here: http://moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Joint%20MoEF-Bank%20Press%20Release%20-%20Jan%2013.pdf

India's Ministry of Environment and Forests has today notified the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 to replace the earlier Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999 (amended in 2003). These Rules have been brought out following detailed discussions and consultations with a wide spectrum of stakeholders including civil society, industry bodies, relevant Central Government Ministries and State Governments.