Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Revised Classification of Industries

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is India's apex body under the Ministry of Environment, responsible for monitoring and controlling air and water pollution, setting environmental standards, and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Table of Contents

Context: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revised the classification of industries based on their pollution potential.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory body constituted in 1974, under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It is also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Objectives

To monitor and control pollution in air and water.
To advise the Central Government on matters concerning prevention and control of pollution.
To coordinate activities of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
To conduct research and development on pollution issues.
To lay down national standards for environmental quality.

Functions

Preventing, controlling and abating water pollution
Preventing, controlling, and abating air pollution & Improving air quality.
Advising the central government on water and air pollution

Features of New Classification of Industries

Industries are classified into 5 categories according to their pollution potential.
A new category, called the “Blue Category”, has been introduced specifically for industries that provide Essential Environmental Services (EES).
It includes industries or utilities essential for environmental management, such as:
- Waste-to-Energy plants
- Certain Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants
- Landfill maintenance services
- Biomining operations
Extended Validity: Industries in the Blue category will receive an additional 2 years of validity for their Consent to Operate (CTO), as an incentive.

Criteria and Examples of Industries

Industry	Pollution Index (PI) Range	Examples
🔴 Red	PI > 80	Thermal power plants, Cement manufacturing, Tanneries
🟠 Orange	55 ≤ PI < 80	Brick manufacturing, Dry cell batteries, coal washeries etc.
🟢 Green	25 ≤ PI < 55	Ice cream manufacturing, Assembly units (non-polluting)
⚪ White	PI < 25	Solar power generation, Medical oxygen etc.
🔵 Blue	Variable PI	Waste to Energy plants, Landfill operators, CBG plants