Govt. streamlines process to get green consent, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Environment Ministry has streamlined the process for industrial units to obtain environmental permissions by allowing a single application under the Air and Water Acts, along with various waste management rules.
• This integrated consent aims to reduce multiple applications and shorten approval timelines, while maintaining environmental safeguards.
• The validity of Consent to Operate will now remain until cancelled, removing the need for periodic renewals.
• Processing time for granting consent to Red Category industries has been reduced from 120 to 90 days.

Detailed Insights:

• The amendments support State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) in processing consent applications and conducting inspections.
• Registered Environmental Auditors, certified under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, can now conduct site visits and verify compliance to expedite processing.
• Environmental compliance will still be enforced through periodic inspections, and consent can be cancelled in case of violations.
• This initiative reduces paperwork and compliance burden on industries, ensuring continuity of industrial operations.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Consent to Operate: Permission required for industries to operate, ensuring they meet environmental standards.
• Red Category Industries: Industries with the highest pollution potential, requiring stringent environmental monitoring.
• Environmental Audit: A systematic evaluation to ensure environmental regulations and standards are being followed.