In an Order which goes back to 7th March, 2016, the Central PCB (“CPCB”) modified directions under Section 18(1)(b) of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 regarding harmonization of classification of industrial sectors under Red/Orange/Green/White categories. It was brought to notice of the Central Pollution Control Board that different State Pollution Control Boards and PCCs were following different criteria for classifying industrial sectors under the Red/Orange/Green category. Such classification was being used for grant of consents to industries and for surveillance of industries. The issue regarding classification of industries was deliberated upon in the 56th Conference of Chairman and member secretaries of CPCBs and State PCBs (“SPCB”) held on august 31, 2010. A working group comprising of representatives from CPCBs and SPCBs was constituted to prepare a consolidated list of industrial sectors falling under Red/Orange/Green category to bring uniformity in classification of industrial sectors across the country. For a detailed read of the same, please refer to the attached document.
As a fallout of this notification dated 7th March, 2016, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (“UPPCB”) issued an Office Order dated 08.07.2020 regarding harmonization of classification of industrial sectors under Red/Orange/Green/White categories.
Key highlights in respect of the Office Order dated 08.07.2020 issued by the U.P.PCB:
• The objective of ‘Categorization’ is based on the relative pollution potential of the industrial sectors based on the use of raw materials and the manufacturing process.
• The categories based on colours are:
i. Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index Score of 60 and above – Red category
ii. Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index Score of 41 and 59- Orange category
iii. Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index Score of 21 and 40- Green category
iv. Industrial Sectors having Pollution Index Score of inclusive and up-to 20- White category
• The number of industries under the categories based on the relative Pollution Index are:
i. The Red category of industrial sectors: 60
ii. The Orange category of industrial sectors: 83
iii. The Green category of industrial sectors: 63 and +28 = 91
iv. The Newly introduced White category: 36 + 156 = 192
U.P. Pollution Control Board has adopted the new category of industries as directed by CPCB as per Annexure-I and has also adopted the change of the nomenclature of the sectors given at Annexure-II into under Non Industrial operation and shall be considered under red category ‘from Sl. No. 1 to 6, under Orange category from SI. No. 7 to 11 and under Green category Sl. No. 12 to 18.
