The Control of Air Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Guidelines were notified in January 2025 to regulate consent procedures for industrial plants under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The guidelines prescribe requirements relating to application, fees, inspection, validity, and cancellation of consent. The present notification amends the 2025 guidelines to streamline consent procedures, rationalise validity and fee structures, enable use of Registered Environment Auditors, and introduce online processing. These amendments have been issued after consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board.

1. New definitions introduced
   “Registered Environment Auditor” is defined as per the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, and “online portal” is defined as the unified consent and authorization management portal.
2. Validity of consent to operate
   Consent to operate, once granted, shall remain valid until cancelled in accordance with paragraph 13 of the guidelines.
3. One-time consent fee
   State Governments or Union Territory Administrations may prescribe a one-time fee for consent to operate for a period ranging from five to twenty-five years, with fresh payment required after expiry of the approved period.
4. Inspection and verification
   State Pollution Control Boards may conduct inspections through their officers or allow engagement of Registered Environment Auditors for verification of consent applications and site inspections.
5. Deemed consent for Micro and Small units
   Consent to establish shall be deemed to be granted for Micro and Small units located in duly notified industrial estates or industrial areas upon submission of a self-certified application in Form I.
6. Consolidated consent and authorization
   A single-step procedure shall apply for grant of consent under section 21 of the Act along with authorization under applicable waste management rules notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
7. Revised timelines
   Time limits for grant or refusal of consent to operate for expansion or amendment are revised to a maximum of 90 days, average of 60 days, and minimum of 30 days.
8. Online portal implementation
   The Central Pollution Control Board shall develop an online portal within six months to one year for processing all consent-related applications, inspections, refusals, and cancellations, with a service charge of five per cent of the consent fee.
9. Schedules amended
   Provisions relating to renewal of consent are removed from the First Schedule, and the definition of “Capital Investment” in the Second Schedule is revised to align fee determination with the amended guidelines.