Context:
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revises Classification of Industries
Features of the New Classification:
- Blue Category – A newly introduced category for essential environmental services, including waste-to-energy plants and certain compressed biogas plants.
- Essential Environmental Services – Facilities which are essential to control, abate and mitigate pollution generated from Domestic and Industrial activities
- Pollution Index (PI) – The classification is based on a Pollution Index that assigns equal weightage to pollution loads from water, air, and hazardous waste.
- Incentives – Industries demonstrating successful implementation of environmental management measures are eligible for extended permit validity.
- Compressed Biogas Plants (CBP) – CBPs using non-industrial feedstock like municipal solid waste or agro-residues are categorized under Blue.
- CBPs using industrial or process waste remain in the Red category.
- Purpose – The classification aims to harmonize criteria for pollution control and ensure effective environmental management.
Different Categories:
| Category | Pollution Index (PI) Range | Examples of Industries |
| Red | PI > 80 | Cement manufacturing, distilleries, manufacturing of automobiles |
| Orange | 55 ≤ PI < 80 | Brick manufacturing, dry cell battery production, coal washeries |
| Green | 25 ≤ PI < 55 | Compact disc (CD/DVD) manufacturing, chilling plants |
| White | PI < 25 | Assembly of air coolers, cardboard manufacturing, medical oxygen production |
| Blue | Based on CPCB formula | Essential environmental services like waste-to-energy plants, certain compressed biogas plants |
Read more on Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Source: HT
Previous Year Question
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization that was established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.