Environment Ministry eases rules for clearance of non-polluting rules

New Delhi, Mar 27 (KNN) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in consultation with Central Pollution Control Board has reclassified the industries into “Red”, “Orange”, “Green” and “White” category, as part of policies and objective of government to promote ‘Ease of Doing Responsible Business, the Parliament was informed.

The “white” category industries will not require Environmental Clearance or consents under Air and Water Acts.

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Anil Madhav Dave, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha said, “Projects under the new category of “white”, which is practically non-polluting, will not require either Environmental Clearance under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 or Consent under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.”

Some of the MSME industries which come under “white category” are - Bicycles, baby carriages; Bailing of waste papers; Chalk making; Handloom/ carpet weaving; Paper pins and u clips etc.

Overall there are 15 industries which fall under the “white” category industry.