The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued revised directions on 12 February 2025 under the Water and Air Acts to harmonize industrial sector classification across states. It introduced a new framework categorizing 419 sectors into Red, Orange, Green, White, and Blue categories.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB has adopted a revised methodology for classification of industrial sectors. This updated framework categorizes 419 industrial sectors and sub-sectors under five categories—Red, Orange, Green, White, and the newly introduced Blue—replacing the earlier directions dated 07/03/2016 and all subsequent communications on the matter. All pending and future applications for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) must be processed strictly in accordance with this revised classification. In cases where CTE has already been granted based on earlier norms, the CTO shall still be aligned with the revised classification.

The new categorization must also be used for broader regulatory purposes including consent management, siting of industries, inventorization of industrial units, environmental surveillance frequency, and calculation of environmental compensation, in line with CPCB guidelines issued from time to time. Importantly, sector classification must not be linked to bank loan sanctions or financial proceedings. MPCB officials are directed to adopt and implement the revised classification with immediate effect.