Goa Pollution Control Board to reclassify industries

Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will reclassify the categories of industries which will allow "non-polluting units" to operate without consent under Air and Water Pollution Act.

"The reclassification would be done on the basis of polluting and non-polluting industries. Those factories which do not create pollution would be classified under white category and they won't require permission of the Board under Air and Water Pollution (Prevention) Act (for operations)," Board's chairman Jose Manuel Noronha told PTI.

He said the move is expected to give respite to as many as 36 industrial sectors covering 200 units across Goa.

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In addition to this, nearly 1,300 industries which currently fall are under 'Green' category, can avail 'one time' consent, he said, adding that as per current law, units have to renew their consent once in 10 years.

GSPCB's move comes in the wake of recent directives by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) which has finalised the new system to classify industries under different categories.

The CPCB in its directives, a copy of which is with the board, mentioned that the purpose of categorisation is to ensure that the industry is established in a manner which is consistent with the environmental objectives.