“Blue Category” for Industries

• 09 Apr 2025

Source: HT 

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has introduced a revised classification system for industries, which includes a new "Blue Category" for essential environmental services, aiming to incentivize sectors like waste management and biomining. 

• Classification Methodology: The classification is based on the Pollution Index (PI) by CPCB, which classifies industries based on their pollution potential, considering air, water, and waste pollutants. The categories include Red (PI > 80), Orange (55 ≤ PI < 80), Green (PI < 25), and Blue (for essential environmental services). 
• Blue Category: Covers industries like landfill maintenance, biomining, and waste-to-energy plants. They will receive a two-year extension for their consent to operate as an incentive for environmental management. 
  • Despite a high PI (97.6), waste-to-energy plants are categorized as Blue due to the essential environmental service they provide.  
  • CBG (Compressed Biogas) plants, depending on their feedstock, are also eligible for Blue Category status. 
• CPCB: It is a statutory organisation, constituted under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.  
  • It provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

Read more: CPCB's New Guidelines for India's Stone Crusher Sector