Industries Will Not Need Frequent Renewals for Environmental Clearances
The Indian government has simplified rules for industries under air and water pollution laws. Now, industries can continue operating as long as their Consent to Operate (CTO) is valid and has not been revoked, eliminating the need for repeated renewals.
The government has taken this step to ease business operations for industries. Amendments have been made to air and water pollution guidelines to simplify the approval process across all states and union territories. This will reduce paperwork and help industries continue operations smoothly.
Key Changes in CTO Validity
The major change is regarding the validity of the Consent to Operate (CTO). Once granted, the CTO will remain valid unless revoked. Regular inspections will still ensure compliance with environmental norms. Non-compliance may lead to revocation of the consent.
This amendment removes the need for repeated renewals, reducing the compliance burden. Additionally, for Red Category industries, the approval process has been shortened from 120 days to 90 days, eliminating delays in operations due to renewal issues.
Single Application for Multiple Approvals
The new guidelines also introduce Consolidated Consent and Authorisation. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) can now process a single application that covers air and water acts as well as various waste management regulations, providing integrated approvals.
Special Provisions for Small Industries
Micro and small enterprises located in notified industrial areas will benefit from special provisions. Consent to Establish (CTE) will be deemed approved upon submission of a self-certified application, as these areas are already environmentally assessed.
Other Important Changes
- Strict minimum distance norms have been removed and replaced with site-specific environmental assessments.
- States can now fix a one-time CTO fee valid for 5 to 25 years.
- A uniform definition of "capital investment" has been introduced for clarity in fee assessment.
These changes aim to balance ease of doing business with environmental protection.