Industry classification and Environmental Clearance

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is responsible for regulating and controlling pollution in the state of Maharashtra, India. The MPCB classifies industries based on their pollution potential and regulates them accordingly. Here's an overview of the industry classification and regulatory framework of the MPCB:

Red Category:

• Industries with high pollution potential.

• Examples: Chemical plants, cement plants, distilleries, fertilizer plants, steel plants.

• Require stringent pollution control measures.

• Regular monitoring and compliance reporting are mandatory.

Orange Category:

• Industries with moderate pollution potential.

• Examples: Food processing units, plastic products manufacturing, textile dyeing and printing.

• Moderate pollution control measures are required.

• Periodic monitoring and compliance reporting are necessary.

Green Category:

• Industries with low pollution potential.

• Examples: Ice cream manufacturing, optical lens manufacturing, mineralized water, bakery products.

• Basic pollution control measures are needed.

• Compliance reporting is less frequent compared to red and orange categories.

White Category:

• Industries with negligible pollution potential.

• Examples: Bicycle manufacturing, organic manure, air coolers and conditioners.

• Minimal regulatory oversight.

• These industries are exempted from obtaining consent to operate under the Air and Water Acts.

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Regulatory Framework

Consent to Establish (CTE):

• Industries must obtain a CTE from the MPCB before starting construction or setup.

• Ensures that the proposed industrial activities are in compliance with environmental regulations.

Consent to Operate (CTO):

• Required for industries to begin operations.

• Granted after verifying that pollution control measures are in place and effective.

• Periodic renewal is required, depending on the category of the industry

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Environmental Clearance:

• Certain projects and activities require environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) or the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).

• Includes assessment of the potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures.

Pollution Control Measures:

• Industries are required to install and maintain pollution control equipment.

• Regular monitoring of air, water, and waste emissions.

• Submission of periodic environmental compliance reports to the MPCB.

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Waste Management:

• Adherence to the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules.

• Proper disposal and treatment of hazardous waste.

Environmental Audits:

• Periodic audits conducted by certified environmental auditors.

• Ensures ongoing compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

Public Complaints and Grievances:

• Mechanisms for the public to report pollution-related issues.

• MPCB takes necessary actions based on complaints and conducts investigations if required.

Penalties and Legal Actions:

• Non-compliance with environmental regulations can result in fines, closure of industrial operations, or legal action.

• MPCB has the authority to take stringent actions against violators.

The MPCB’s classification and regulatory measures are aimed at minimizing environmental impact and ensuring sustainable industrial development in Maharashtra.