Union Environment Ministry has exempted 39 categories of industries from the mandatory requirement of approaching State pollution control Boards for permission to run their industries.

• All of these sectors are in the “white category” of industries, meaning they are the least polluting in nature, by a 2016 classification by the Central Pollution Control Board
• Industries affected include:
  • Solar cell and module manufacturing
  • Wind and hydel power units
  • Fly ash brick/block manufacturing
  • Leather cutting and stitching
  • Assembly of air coolers/conditioners and repair services.

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Industry Categories Classification 

• Categorization by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
  • Red Category: Highest scrutiny due to toxic effluents.
  • Orange Category: Moderate pollution potential.
  • Green Category: Lesser pollution potential.
  • White Category: Least polluting; minimal environmental impact.
• Rationale for Exemption:
  • Reduces “compliance burden” for industries.
  • Eliminates the need for dual compliance (Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE)).
  • White category industries no longer need CTE or Consent to Operate (CTO).

Dual compliance of Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE) for setting up of new industries

• Permissions known as ‘Consent to establish’ (CTE) and ‘Consent to operate’ (CTO) are granted to regulate industries that discharge effluents or emit pollutants into the environment.

• CTE: Granted by the state pollution control board, Concerned carrying either standard or specific conditions to be adhered to for complying with pollution norms. 
• As per the Water Act, 1974, and Air Act, 1981, CTE or a NOC is required before the commencement of the construction activities and CTO before starting operation of units like individual establishments from the state pollution control boards concerned.
• Now, Non-polluting white category industries will not be required to take CTE or Consent to Operate (CTO) at all 
  • The industries who have taken EC will not be required to take CTE

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Implications of the Exemption

• Ease of Doing Business:
  • Reduces bureaucratic hurdles and duplication of approvals.
  • Supports the government’s aim to enhance the ease of doing business.
• Industry Feedback:
  • Addresses a long-standing industry demand to simplify processes.
• Environmental Oversight:
  • White category industries received easier permissions even before this formal notification.

Categorization of Industrial Sectors Based on Pollution Index:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) categorizes industrial sectors based on their Pollution Index (PI). 
  • `This index measures pollution levels from emissions, effluents, hazardous waste, and resource use.
• Pollution Index (PI): Ranges from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating greater pollution.
  • Pollution Index Scores and Categories:
    • Red: PI 60+ (High pollution)
    • Orange: PI 41-59 (Moderate pollution)
    • Green: PI 21-40 (Low pollution)
    • White: PI 20 or less (Minimal pollution)

About White category sectors

• White Category Industries are the category of industries which are non-polluting industries.
• These industries typically have a Pollution Index (PI) score of 20 or less, indicating a low degree of pollution.
  • Exemptions:
    • Do not need prior permission from state pollution control boards.
    • Exempt from permissions under the Air Act, 1981.
    • Exempt from permissions under the Water Act, 1974.
  • Examples:
    • Wind power projects
    • Solar power projects
    • Assembly of air coolers
    • Bicycle assembly

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• Environmental Impact of White Category Industries
  • Low Pollution Levels: White Category Industries produce minimal emissions, effluents, and hazardous waste.
    • Their operations have a smaller effect on air, water, and soil quality compared to industries with higher pollution categories.
  • Resource Consumption: These industries are more efficient in using resources.
    • This efficiency helps further reduce their overall environmental footprint.
  • Sufficiency of Exemptions: Although their pollution levels are low, the justification for their permit exemptions needs regular review.
    • Ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure these industries continue to have minimal environmental impact and do not contribute to long-term environmental harm.

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