Central Government issued amendments to the guidelines published in January 2025 relating to consent for industrial plants under the Air Act and the Water Act.

Definitions for “Registered Environment Auditor” and “online portal” are inserted in both guidelines. Provisions relating to application format, fee structure, validity of consent, inspection, and procedural aspects are revised.

Consent to operate continues to remain valid until cancellation as per paragraph 13. State Government or Union Territory Administration may determine one-time fee for consent to operate for a period between 5 to 25 years, with provision for further payment for extension.

Procedures for enquiry on applications are substituted, including inspection by State Board officers or Registered Environment Auditors. For micro and small units located in notified industrial areas, consent to establish is deemed granted upon submission of self-certified application.

Single-step procedure is prescribed for consent along with authorization under applicable waste management rules. Timelines under paragraph 8 are modified. Paragraph 12 is omitted. Provisions relating to cancellation and fee references are revised.

Paragraph 16 provides for development of an online portal for processing applications. After operationalisation, all applications shall be processed through the portal. A service fee of five percent of application fees may be charged by the Central Board.

Amendments are also made in the First Schedule and Second Schedule relating to forms, entries, and definition of capital investment.

(Air – G.S.R. 62(E))
“3. Form of application for consent and fees. – Every application for consent to establish or operate an industrial plant under section 21 of the Act shall be made…”

“7. Consolidated Consent and Authorization for Hazardous and Other Wastes: – A single-step procedure shall be adopted for granting consent under section 21 of the Act…”

“16. Portal for implementation of these guidelines… shall be credited to the fund of the Central Pollution Control Board in accordance with section 33 of the Act.”

(Water – G.S.R. 63(E))
“3. Form of application for consent and fees. – Every application for consent to establish or operate an industrial plant under section 25 of the Act shall be made…”

“7. Consolidated Consent and Authorization for Hazardous and Other Wastes: – A single-step procedure shall be adopted for granting consent under section 25 of the Act…”

“16. Portal for implementation of these guidelines… shall be credited to the fund of the Central Pollution Control Board in accordance with section 36 of the Act.”