New industry classification

The Central government has released a new categorization of industries based on their pollution load. Based on the series of brain storming sessions among Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the following criteria on ‘Range of Pollution Index ‘for the purpose of categorization of industrial sectors is finalised:

Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score of 60 and above (Red category); Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score of 41 to 59 (Orange category); Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score of 21 to 40 (Green category); and Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index score including & up to 20 (White category). The salient features of the ‘Re-categorization’ exercise are as follows.

Due importance has been given to relative pollution potential of the industrial sectors based on scientific criteria. Further, wherever possible, splitting of the industrial sectors is also considered based on the use of raw materials, manufacturing process adopted and in-turn pollutants expected to be generated: The Red category of industrial sectors would be 60; The Orange category of industrial sectors would be 83; The Green category of industrial sectors would be 63; Newly-introduced White category contains 36 industrial sectors which are practically non-polluting; There shall be no necessity of obtaining the Consent to Operate’’ for White category of industries.

An intimation to concerned SPCB / PCC shall suffice; No Red category of industries shall normally be permitted in the ecologically fragile area / protected area. The newly introduced White category of industries pertains to those industrial sectors which are practically non-polluting, such as Biscuit trays etc. from rolled PVC sheet (using automatic vacuum forming machines), Cotton and woolen hosiers making (Dry process only without any dying/washing operation), Electric lamp (bulb) and CFL manufacturing by assembling only, Scientific and mathematical instrument manufacturing, Solar power generation through photovoltaic cell, wind power and mini hydel power (less than 25 MW).

The new criteria will prompt industrial sectors willing to adopt cleaner technologies, ultimately resulting in generation of fewer pollutants. White industry which is practically non-polluting will not require Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent and will help in getting finance from lending institutions. Categorization is based on the Pollution Index which is a function of the emissions (air pollutants), effluents (water pollutants), hazardous wastes generated and consumption of resources.