White Category Industries Exempt from Permits

Non-polluting industries, categorized under the ‘white category’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), will no longer need prior permission from state pollution control boards.

Applicability of operation

• This change applies to operations under the Air Act, 1981, and Water Act, 1974.
• Amendments of Permissions Removal: 
  • The requirement for ‘consent to establish’ (CTE) and ‘consent to operate’ (CTO) is eliminated for these industries.
  • These permissions were previously needed to regulate industries that discharge effluents or emit pollutants.
• Compliance Conditions:
  • Conditions for adhering to pollution norms, usually included in the CTE, could now be merged with the environmental clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment.

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About Industrial sector

• The Industrial Sector  is also known as the Secondary Sector.  
  • This includes businesses that focus on manufacturing and processing goods.
• Key Industries: Aerospace, construction, machinery, electrical equipment, and commercial services.
• Economic Role: It is vital for converting raw materials into finished products.
• Impact on Economy: Helps drive economic growth and development by creating products and generating value.
• Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Industries are responsible for approximately one-fourth of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
  • It  highlights their significant role in the country’s overall pollution levels.
• 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.

• Criteria and References:

• • Sources:
    • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess (Amendment) Act, 2003
    • Standards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
    • Doon Valley Notification, 1989 issued by MoEFCC
  • 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)

Causes of Industrial Pollution

• Emission of Harmful Gases: Industries release smoke containing gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, contributing to air pollution.
• Untreated Wastewater: Industrial wastewater, when not treated, is discharged into water bodies, leading to water pollution.
• Policy Gaps: Inadequate policies and poor enforcement practices exacerbate industrial pollution.
• Impact on Environment: Rapid and unplanned industrial expansion results in increased air and water pollution.
• Outdated Technology: Many industries use old technologies that produce substantial waste, contributing to environmental degradation.
• Financial Constraints: Small-scale industries often lack the financial resources to properly treat their waste, leading to pollution.
• Raw Material Extraction: Extensive extraction of raw materials from the earth can result in soil and land pollution.

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About White Category Industries

• 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
• 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.

About Pollution control permits 

• Pollution control permits are official documents that allow businesses or facilities to release certain pollutants into the environment. 
• They make sure that the pollution stays at safe levels to protect people’s health and the environment. 
• These permits usually include:
• • Pollution Limits: The maximum amount of pollutants that can be released.
  • Monitoring Rules: Guidelines for checking and reporting pollution levels.
  • Compliance Deadlines: Dates by which pollution control standards must be met.
  • Record Keeping: Rules for keeping track of pollution levels and compliance efforts.
  • Inspections and Penalties: Gives information about how agencies will check for compliance and what happens if rules are broken.

Key Government Initiatives for Controlling Air Pollution

• New Commission for Air Quality Management
• Graded Response Action Plan (for Delhi).
• National Clean Air Programme
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal.
• For Reducing Vehicular Pollution:
  • BS-VI Vehicles,
  • National Electric Mobility Mission Plan

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