Classification of Industries by CPCB and Blue Industries

News: Recently, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has carved a new category of industries called the ‘blue category’ industries based on the Essential Environmental Services (EES) for managing the pollution due to anthropogenic activities. Classification of Industries by CPCB and Blue Industries.

About Classification of Industries by CPCB and Blue Industries

Classification of Industries by CPCB:

• The CPCB classifies industries based on their environmental impact, focusing on air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste generation.
• Industries are classified using the Pollution Index (PI), which is calculated by considering air, water, and waste pollution, with equal weight given to each factor.
• PI Categories:
  • White: PI < 20 (least polluting industries)
  • Green: 21 ≤ PI < 40
  • Orange: 41 ≤ PI < 60
  • Red: PI > 60 (most polluting industries)

Blue Industries:

• The Blue Category was introduced by the CPCB to classify sectors that are essential for environmental management but are relatively low on pollution.
• Key Features of Blue Category Industries:
  • Recognized as part of Essential Environmental Services (EES).
  • Granted extended validity of ‘Consent to Operate’ (CTO)—up to 2 years.
  • Intended for projects that produce minimal hazardous waste.
  • Expected to align with circular economy goals.
• Industries Included: Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Composting units, Biogas plants, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incinerators.
• Procedural Criteria for Blue Category Inclusion:
  • No generation of hazardous waste or toxic emissions.
  • Must promote circular economy (reuse, recycle, resource efficiency).
  • Must align with Sustainable Waste Management Rules, 2016.