Simplified Environmental Compliance for 39 Industries: A Step Towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’

Simplified Environmental Compliance for 39 Industries: A Step Towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’

Sub: Env

Sec : Env legislation and organisation

Why in News

• The Union Ministry of Environment has recently introduced significant reforms in the environmental regulatory framework. The Ministry has exempted 39 categories of industries from the mandatory requirement of dual eco-clearance, a move aimed at reducing the compliance burden on non-polluting industries. This decision aligns with the government’s objective of fostering a more business-friendly environment while maintaining environmental safety.

Exemption of 39 Industry Categories:

• The Environment Ministry has removed the requirement for 39 specific industry categories to obtain consent from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) for operation.

These industries include:

• Manufacturing units of solar cells and modules.
• Wind and hydropower units.
• Fly ash bricks and block manufacturing.
• Leather cutting and stitching.
• Assembly, repair, and servicing of air-coolers and air-conditioners.
• These sectors fall under the “white category” of industries as per the 2016 classification by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicating they are the least polluting.

Reduced Compliance Burden:

• The decision eliminates the need for both Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE) for non-polluting industries. Now:
• Industries classified under the “white category” do not require CTE or Consent to Operate (CTO) at all.
• Industries that have received EC are exempted from obtaining additional CTE.
• This reform aims to prevent duplication of environmental approvals, reducing bureaucratic delays and easing the regulatory burden on businesses.

The changes follow recent amendments to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. These amendments empower the central government to have greater oversight, even over decisions traditionally managed by SPCBs.

The Water Act of 1974 was the first legislation in independent India to address water contamination and led to the establishment of the CPCB and SPCBs to monitor and control pollution from industrial and sewage discharge.

State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs):

• SPCBs enforce pollution control laws at the state level, including water and air quality standards.
• They have the authority to set standards for effluent discharge from industries into water bodies.
• SPCBs can inspect, collect samples, and monitor industries to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
• These boards have the power to issue closure orders or restrictions on industries violating pollution standards.
• SPCBs are empowered to grant or deny consent for the establishment of any industry based on environmental assessments.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:

• The Act aims to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water.
• It led to the establishment of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
• The Act gives pollution control boards the authority to set water quality standards and oversee compliance.
• It provides mechanisms for effluent monitoring and specifies penalties for non-compliance.
• The Act empowers pollution control boards to take legal action against industries causing water pollution.