New classification for polluting industries in India

India’s Union Environment Ministry has proposed a new colour-coded system to identify polluting industries. The system, which would classify industries as red, orange or green, depending on their pollution potential, aims to reduce the frequency with which industrial operations would need to seek certification. Cement will be included in those industries labelled ‘red’, with a score of 60 and above, which would be required to seek certification once in five years. ‘Orange’ industries, with a score between 30 and 59, would need approval once in ten years. Those industries in the ‘green’ category would have lifetime approval, while ‘white’ industries are classified as non-polluting. This scheme is an update of a 1989 order and will focus on pollution potential in terms of air pollution, water pollution and handling of hazardous wastes. Furthermore, by 30 June, the cement industry and other critically polluting sectors will have to institute constant monitoring.

The Central Pollution Control Board has also suggested borrowing the star-ratings applied by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to appliances. This scheme would reward individual industrial units exceeding their performance requirements, for example a cement plant achieving lower emissions than required could earn such stars.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Sources:

• The Telegraph
• Deccan Herald
• Times of India
• Live Mint

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/08042015/new-classification-for-polluting-industries-in-india-649/