Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 11: The Andaman & Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has directed all owners and operators of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas functioning across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to ensure strict compliance with the applicable environmental regulations and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas, revised in July 2021, pursuant to the directions of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NOT) in O.A. No. 394/2022.
The guidelines aim to prevent environmental pollution arising from improper handling, management and disposal of cattle dung, fodder residues and wastewater, while promoting scientific and sustainable waste management practices.
As per the CPCB guidelines, Dairy Farms refer to establishments engaged in rearing milch animals for milk production and supply, whereas Gaushalas, also known as Gosadans and Pinjrapoles, provide shelter and care for weak, sick, injured, abandoned and homeless cattle.
Further, as per CPCB’s Classification of Sectors into Red, Orange, Green, White and Blue Categories, issued in January 2025, Dairy Farms having more than 500 animals are classified under the Red Category, those having 101-500 animals and 15-100 animals under the Orange Category, while Gaushalas are classified under the Green Category.
Mandatory Environmental Compliance
All owners and operators of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas shall ensure compliance with the following requirements:
1. Compliance with CPCB Guidelines: Strictly adhere to the Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas issued by CPCB (revised July 2021).
2. Scientific Management of Cattle Dung: Ensure proper collection, treatment and scientific disposal of cattle dung generated within the premises by adopting feasible technologies such as composting, vermicomposting bio-methanation or cattle dung log-making. Alternatively, the dung shall be handed over to the concerned local body for appropriate management.
3. Wastewater Management: Ensure proper collection and adequate treatment of wastewater generated from Dairy Farms and Gaushalas before discharge. Untreated wastewater shall not be discharged into the environment or allowed to percolate into the ground, thereby contaminating groundwater.
4. Adequate Animal Housing: Ensure adequate ventilation and sufficient space for each animal for standing, resting, loafing, movement and feeding, in accordance with the applicable CPCB guidelines.
5. Obtaining Statutory Consents: All establishments falling under the applicable consent requirements shall obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) prior to establishment and Consent to Operate (CTO) prior to commencement of operations from ANPCC under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 with prior registration from Local Bodies.
All owners and operators of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas have been advised to take immediate necessary measures to ensure compliance with the above environmental requirements and obtain the requisite statutory consents from ANPCC, non-compliance if found may be intimated to the undersigned for necessary action as deemed fit.