Understanding the Air Pollution Control Consent Guidelines, 2025

Introduction

To combat rising air pollution and ensure stricter industrial compliance, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has introduced the Control of Air Pollution (Grant, Refusal, or Cancellation of Consent) Guidelines, 2025. These guidelines, framed under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, lay down detailed provisions for granting, renewing, and canceling consent for industrial operations. By categorizing industries based on their pollution levels and enforcing stringent location and operational requirements, the new framework aims to enhance regulatory oversight and improve environmental sustainability.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Guidelines

1. Industry Categorization and Consent Validity

Industries are classified into four categories based on their pollution potential:

Red Category: Highly polluting industries (e.g., chemical plants, oil refineries, cement manufacturing) – 5-year consent validity.
Orange Category: Moderately polluting industries (e.g., textile dyeing, food processing, medium-scale engineering units) – 10-year consent validity.
Green Category: Low-pollution industries (e.g., IT parks, small-scale manufacturing) – 15-year consent validity.
Blue Category: Least polluting industries (e.g., packaging, small-scale workshops) – 17-year consent validity.

This classification helps streamline regulatory approvals while ensuring effective pollution control measures are in place for each industry type.

2. Application Process and Fee Structure

To obtain or renew consent, industries must submit applications in a prescribed format, detailing their emissions, pollution control measures, and waste disposal methods.

Applications must be submitted before the existing consent period expires to avoid penalties.
A progressive late fee structure applies for delayed submissions, ranging from 25% to 100% of the standard fee.

Industries seeking renewal must also provide proof of compliance with environmental norms, including air quality monitoring data and waste management reports.

3. Location and Site Selection Norms

To prevent air pollution from affecting sensitive areas, the guidelines mandate minimum distances for industries:

500 meters from residential areas, schools, and hospitals (for Red-category industries).
200 meters from national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and heritage sites (for Orange-category industries).
30–100 meters from water bodies, depending on the pollution level of the industry.

These location-based restrictions help reduce the environmental impact of industrial emissions and protect public health.

4. Stringent Compliance and Monitoring

Industries must adhere to the following environmental control measures:

Installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) for real-time air quality tracking.
Submission of quarterly compliance reports to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
Implementation of advanced air pollution control technologies, such as scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and catalytic converters.

Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties, legal action, or even cancellation of consent.

Enforcement and Penalties

The guidelines introduce strict enforcement measures to ensure adherence:

Non-compliance penalties: Industries violating emission norms may face fines or operational restrictions.
Cancellation of Consent: If an industry fails to implement pollution control measures despite repeated warnings, its operational consent may be revoked.
Legal Action: Persistent violators may face action under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, which includes fines and imprisonment for responsible officials.

Conclusion

The Air Pollution Control Consent Guidelines, 2025 establish a robust framework for regulating industrial emissions while promoting sustainable operations. By enforcing strict compliance, streamlining consent procedures, and ensuring better monitoring, these guidelines serve as a significant step toward improving air quality and public health. Industries must align with these new requirements to continue their operations without legal or financial repercussions.

Download: Air Pollution Control Guidelines 2025: Key Provisions