CPCB Revises Classification of Industries Introduced New Category

In an effort to streamline pollution control and provide incentives for industries crucial to environmental services, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced a new classification for industries. This revised categorization includes the creation of a Blue Category for “Essential Environmental Services” (EES). Industries falling under this category include those involved in waste-to-energy plants, biomining, and compressed biogas plants that help manage environmental concerns. These industries will benefit from extended consent validity as a reward for their role in managing pollution. This initiative aims to ensure better regulation and incentivization of industries providing critical environmental services, thereby encouraging sustainable practices.

Key Highlights

Introduction of the Blue Category

Blue Category: New classification for industries providing essential environmental services such as,

• Waste to energy plants
• Compressed biogas plants (CBG) based on municipal solid waste, agro-residue, energy crops, and weeds.
• Biomining operations.
• Utilities that help manage environmental concerns (e.g., landfill maintenance).

Incentives for Blue Category

Consent Validity

• Industries in the Blue Category will receive an additional two years of consent validity compared to others, offering a total of seven years for consent to operate.
• Rationale for Incentive: The extended validity recognizes the essential role these industries play in managing pollution and providing services like waste management and clean energy.

Pollution Index (PI) Classification Methodology

Pollution Index (PI) Categories

• Red: PI > 80 (High pollution potential)
• Orange: 55 ≤ PI < 80 (Moderate pollution)
• Green: PI ≤ 25 (Low pollution)
• Blue: A new category for essential environmental services.
• Waste to Energy Plants: Though classified under the Red Category based on a PI of 97.6, they are moved to the Blue Category because of the service they provide in waste management.

Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants

• Plants using agro-residue, municipal solid waste, or energy crops fall under the Blue Category due to their low environmental impact.
• CBG plants based on industrial or process waste remain in the Red Category.

Verification and Incentives

Verification of Environmental Measures

• Industries that successfully implement environmental management measures, verified by a committee, are eligible for incentives.
• Incentives include increased validity of permits for meeting environmental norms.

Changes to Environmental Clearance (EC) Process

• Dual Compliance Removed
• Industries with an environmental clearance (EC) will no longer need to obtain consent to establish (CTE), streamlining the approval process.
• White Category Industries: Exempt from both CTE and consent to operate (CTO).