Sri Vijaya Puram, November 11: The Andaman & Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has directed all owners and operators of dairy farms and gaushalas in the Islands to comply strictly with environmental regulations and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas, revised in July 2021, following the directions of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) in O.A. No. 394/2022.
The guidelines aim to prevent pollution from the improper handling and disposal of cattle dung, fodder residue and wastewater, and to promote scientific and sustainable waste management. Under the CPCB guidelines, dairy farms are establishments that rear milch animals for milk production and supply, while gaushalas, also known as gosadans and pinjrapoles, shelter and care for weak, sick, injured, abandoned and homeless cattle.
Under the CPCB’s classification of sectors issued in January 2025, dairy farms with more than 500 animals fall in the Red category, and those with 101 to 500 animals and 15 to 100 animals in the Orange category, while gaushalas fall in the Green category.
The ANPCC said owners and operators must follow the CPCB guidelines; collect, treat and scientifically dispose of cattle dung through methods such as composting, vermicomposting, bio-methanation or dung log-making, or hand it over to the local body; collect and adequately treat wastewater before discharge, and not let untreated wastewater flow into the environment or seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater; provide adequate ventilation and enough space for each animal to stand, rest, move and feed; and obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) before setting up and Consent to Operate (CTO) before starting operations from the ANPCC under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, after registering with the local body.
Owners and operators have been told to take immediate steps to comply and obtain the required consents. The ANPCC said instances of non-compliance may be reported to it for necessary action.
