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Centre says standard operating procedures for forest fire management have been issued to all states and Union Territories
NGT hears case against rail wagon manufacturer in West Bengal over alleged hazardous waste violations
Claims of soil, water and air pollution linked to industrial activity near residential areas in Uttarpara
Tribunal seeks response from Punjab authorities over illegal waste dumping in Amritsar
Complaints highlight risks to public health, including impacts on children in densely populated areas
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has prepared and circulated standard operating procedures (SOP) for forest fire management to all states and Union Territories for implementation on October 13, 2025.
This was stated in an affidavit submitted by the MoEFCC on April 1, 2026.
The report detailed the steps taken to develop the SOPs. It said the matter was discussed at a meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee on February 25, 2025, where the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) was tasked with preparing comprehensive SOPs by March 15, 2025. The SOPs were to focus on preventing, mitigating and responding to forest fires, incorporating best practices from various state governments and standardising firefighting tools and equipment.
In a letter dated March 11, 2025, the MoEFCC requested ICFRE, Dehradun, to submit draft SOPs for further action, along with a list of standardised firefighting equipment.
A meeting was later convened on July 11, 2025 with ICFRE and the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to discuss the proposed SOPs and the rationale behind suggested changes. During the meeting, the Director of FRI presented the SOPs for forest fire prevention, mitigation and response.
Following deliberations, directions were issued to refine the SOPs and submit a revised version. The ministry reiterated this request in a letter dated August 10, 2025, asking ICFRE-FRI and the Forest Survey of India (FSI) to expedite submission of the revised SOP incorporating the observations made.
ICFRE, Dehradun, submitted the revised SOPs on September 25, 2025. These cover forest fire management across different forest types, including tropical dry deciduous, subtropical pine, subtropical broadleaf, tropical semi-evergreen and tropical moist deciduous forests.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken up a case alleging environmental violations by a rail wagon manufacturing unit in Uttarpara, West Bengal.
According to the application heard on April 1, 2026, the company — Titagarh Wagons Ltd (HED), now known as Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd — has been improperly handling and disposing of hazardous waste.
The applicant alleged that the company’s practices contravene the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
The unit generates various categories of hazardous waste listed under Schedule I of the rules, including process residues, sludges and contaminated containers. These include non-halogenated hydrocarbons such as thinners and paint solvents, halogenated hydrocarbons including chlorinated agents, pigment and varnish residues, and effluent treatment plant sludge containing heavy metals and toxic substances.
Improper management, storage and disposal of such waste are said to have contaminated surrounding soil and water bodies, posing risks to public health.
A railway track runs to the east of the factory, separating it from a densely populated locality. Hazardous materials have reportedly been found along this track, exposing residents to potential health risks, including respiratory and skin conditions, particularly among children and older people.
The application also alleged that the unit is contributing to air and noise pollution.
The NGT has also directed authorities in Punjab to respond to allegations of illegal dumping of solid waste on Chabal Road near a railway crossing in Amritsar.
In its order dated April 1, 2026, the tribunal asked the state, through the Principal Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to file a reply. It also sought responses from the District Magistrate, Municipal Corporation Amritsar and the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
The respondents have been directed to investigate the complaints and take appropriate remedial action within one month, in line with environmental norms. They must submit detailed reports within two months, including information on action taken or proposed, budget allocations and timelines, in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016/2025 and tribunal directions.
The applicant said Chabal Road is a historic route and that accumulated garbage has led to high levels of pollution, affecting public health in the densely populated Amritsar Sahib constituency.
The complaint added that the situation worsens during rainfall, with increased odour levels. Several schools are located along the road, and the dumping of solid waste is said to be adversely affecting children’s health.