The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a new circular introducing a simplified scheme for auto-renewal of consents for Red, Orange, Green, and Blue category industries. This move aligns with the Ease of Doing Business initiative while ensuring compliance with environmental norms.

The new scheme applies across all industry categories (Red, Orange, Green, and Blue). Renewal will be granted based on self-declaration by the industry, without the need for site visits or committee approvals, provided there is no increase in production capacity or pollution load.

• Capital investment changes:
  • If the increase is up to 30% due to clean technology, infrastructure, or pollution control upgrades, industries can still avail auto-renewal by paying the applicable pro-rata fees.
  • If the increase exceeds 30%, or if there is a decrease in capital investment, a fresh consent application must be filed in the prescribed format.
• Validity of renewal:
  • Red category: 5 years
  • Orange category: 10 years
  • Green category: 15 years
• Process:
  • Industries must file a self-declaration in the prescribed format (Annexure A) along with requisite fees.
  • The renewal will be reflected on MPCB’s website within 7 days.
  • Auto-renewals will be issued directly by the delegated authority without physical inspection but will later be placed before the Board committees for appraisal.