The Government of India has streamlined environmental compliance for industries, addressing a longstanding demand to simplify approvals. In a significant step, industries in the non-polluting “white category” will now be exempt from obtaining both the Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO). This move, aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles, was confirmed through a new notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Air Act and Water Act.
The new rule allows industries that have obtained Environmental Clearance (EC) to proceed without the need for a separate CTE. This eliminates dual compliance requirements, easing the establishment process for industries while avoiding repetitive approvals. Furthermore, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been introduced, ensuring that any considerations typically addressed in the CTE process are incorporated into the EC assessment. State Pollution Control Boards will also play an advisory role in the EC process, ensuring comprehensive environmental oversight.
To maintain state revenue, industries will continue to pay the CTE fee, despite the procedural changes. According to the notification, “All industrial plants with a pollution index score of up to 20 must inform the State Pollution Control Boards or Committees in writing.” Additionally, industries with prior EC, as per the 2006 Environment (Protection) Act requirements, are exempted from obtaining a CTE.
This updated regulation provides a more efficient path for establishing new industries, reducing redundant processes and supporting smoother industrial growth without compromising environmental safeguards.
Direct Link to GOI Official Notification
