The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the final document on the revised classification of industries dated 07.03.2016 to bring uniformity in environmental regulation across India. This classification is critical for industries applying for approvals like Pollution NOC, CTE (Consent to Establish), CTO (Consent to Operate), and CCA NOC in Uttarakhand or other states.
Industries were categorized into Red, Orange, Green, and White based on their Pollution Index (PI) — a score calculated from emissions, effluents, hazardous waste generation, and resource consumption. This classification is used by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) including the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB) while issuing NOCs and consents.
Genesis of Categorization
The idea of categorizing industries started with the 1989 MoEFCC notifications to restrict highly polluting industries in ecologically sensitive areas like Doon Valley. Over time, this system was extended nationwide for pollution consent management.
Before 2016, industries were inconsistently classified by different State Pollution Control Boards. For example, while UKPCB NOC (Uttarakhand) followed CPCB guidelines, the interpretation sometimes varied across states. To resolve this, CPCB issued directions under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to unify categorization nationwide.
Pollution Index (PI) – The Basis of Categorization
The Working Group of CPCB and SPCBs developed the Pollution Index (PI), ranging from 0–100.
- Red Category: PI score of 60 and above
- Orange Category: PI score 41 to 59
- Green Category: PI score 21 to 40
- White Category: PI score up to 20
This transparent system helped industries self-assess their environmental impact before applying for a Pollution Board NOC in Uttarakhand or any other state.
Categories of Industries under CPCB 2016
1. Red Category Industries
- Highly polluting sectors like thermal power plants, tanneries, pulp & paper, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.
- Not permitted in eco-sensitive areas.
- Mandatory to obtain PCB NOC in Uttarakhand before setup and operation.
2. Orange Category Industries
- Moderately polluting sectors such as hotels, bakeries, food processing, automobile servicing, etc.
- Require Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board NOC (CTE & CTO) for establishment and operation.
3. Green Category Industries
- Low-pollution activities like rice mills (small), sawmills, soap manufacturing (handmade), spice grinding, etc.
- Simplified compliance process for Pollution Board NOC in Uttarakhand.
4. White Category Industries
- Practically non-polluting industries like solar power, scientific instruments, chalk making, fly ash bricks, and assembly of electronic items.
- Do not require a full-fledged NOC; only an intimation to the board is sufficient.
- Even in Uttarakhand, these industries are exempt from the UKPCB NOC.
Consent and Authorisations Linked with Classification
The classification directly impacts the type of approvals industries need:
- CTE (Consent to Establish) – Pre-establishment clearance.
- CTO (Consent to Operate) – Mandatory before operations.
- CCA NOC in Uttarakhand – Combined Consent & Authorisation for industries generating hazardous waste.
For industries in Uttarakhand, obtaining PCB NOC in Uttarakhand or Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board NOC is compulsory under the Air Act 1981, Water Act 1974, and Environment Protection Act 1986. Non-compliance can lead to closure, fines, or disconnection of utilities.
Importance for Businesses in Uttarakhand
The CPCB’s 2016 classification still plays a role in guiding approvals from state boards like UKPCB. For industrial projects in Uttarakhand:
- Red category industries must undergo stricter scrutiny.
- Orange and Green industries follow moderate compliance.
- White industries enjoy exemptions but must provide intimation.
Hence, whether applying for UKPCB NOC, Pollution Board NOC in Uttarakhand, or a CCA NOC in Uttarakhand, industries must align with their category under this classification.
Conclusion
The CPCB 2016 Classification of Industries into Red, Orange, Green, and White categories was a landmark step in creating transparency, consistency, and sustainability in India’s environmental regulatory framework.
For industries in Uttarakhand, this classification determines the process of obtaining a Pollution Control NOC. From Red category requiring strict PCB NOC in Uttarakhand to White category exempt from detailed permissions, compliance is central to operations.
How Simplicomp Helps with Pollution NOCs in Uttarakhand
At Simplicomp, we specialize in guiding industries through the entire environmental clearance and authorisation process. Whether you are setting up a new facility or expanding an existing one, our experts assist with:
- Preparing and filing applications for UKPCB NOC
- Obtaining CTE and CTO from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board
- Securing CCA NOC in Uttarakhand for hazardous waste management
- Liaising with authorities to ensure smooth approval
- Providing compliance audits and support for renewals
With our end-to-end consulting, industries can focus on operations while we ensure they meet every requirement of the Pollution Board NOC in Uttarakhand.
FAQs (Pollution Board NOCs in Uttarakhand)
Q1. How to apply for the UKPCB NOC in Uttarakhand?
Applications can be made online through the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board portal. Industries must select their category (Red/Orange/Green/White), upload documents like site layout, process flowchart, pollution control measures, and pay the prescribed fee.
Q2. What documents are required for the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board NOC?
Typically required documents include land ownership/lease papers, CA-certified project cost, process details, design of pollution control systems (ETP/STP/APCD), groundwater NOC if applicable, and environmental clearance (if the project falls under EIA Notification 2006).
Q3. What is CCA NOC in Uttarakhand?
CCA (Consolidated Consent and Authorization) NOC combines consent to operate with hazardous waste authorization. It is mandatory for industries generating hazardous waste such as chemicals, heavy metals, or biomedical byproducts.
Q4. How long is the Pollution Board NOC valid in Uttarakhand?
- Red Category industries – 5 years
- Orange Category industries – 5-10 years
- Green Category industries – 15 years
- White Category industries – Exempt (intimation only)
Q5. What are the penalties for operating without a Pollution NOC in Uttarakhand?
Operating without a valid NOC can lead to closure notices, disconnection of water and power supply, heavy fines, and even prosecution under the Air Act 1981, Water Act 1974, and Environment Protection Act 1986.
