White Category Industries in India No Longer Need State Pollution Board Approval
The Indian government has provided regulatory relief to industries classified under the ‘White Category’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These industries, known for their minimal pollution potential, will no longer require prior approval from state pollution control boards to establish and operate.
What Are ‘White Category’ Industries?
Industries in the ‘White Category’ are considered to have negligible pollution potential. Examples include biscuit tray manufacturing, assembly of air coolers, electric lamps, solar modules, fly ash brick manufacturing, and repair of electric motors and generators. These operations are primarily dry, mechanical, or non-emission processes.
Regulatory Changes
As per a gazette notification issued on November 12, industries scoring up to 20 on the pollution index are exempt from the provisions under sub-section (1) of section 21 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. They must inform the respective State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control Committees in writing.
Additionally, industries with prior environmental clearance under the 2006 notification are exempt from the ‘Consent to Establish’ requirement for existing operations.
Doubts Revealed
White Category Industries -: These are industries that have very low pollution potential. They are considered environmentally friendly and do not harm the environment much.
State Pollution Board -: This is a government body in each state of India that monitors and controls pollution. They make sure industries follow rules to keep the environment clean.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) -: This is a national organization in India that sets guidelines and standards for pollution control. They help protect the environment by regulating pollution levels.
Consent To Establish -: This is a permission that industries need before they start building their factories. It ensures that the new industry will not harm the environment.
Consent To Operate -: This is a permission that industries need before they start running their factories. It ensures that the industry operates in an environmentally safe manner.
Pollution Index -: This is a score that measures how much pollution an industry might cause. A lower score means less pollution.
Environmental Clearance -: This is an approval that industries need to show they will not harm the environment. It is given after checking the potential environmental impact of the industry.
