Why in news
Union Environment Ministry exempts 39 categories of "white category" industries from requiring EC and CTE for setting up new industries.
This move reduces the compliance burden on industries and addresses a long-standing demand from the business community.
Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE)
Environmental Clearance (EC): A permission required by industries to ensure that their operations will not harm the environment.
It assesses environmental impacts before the industry starts.
Consent to Establish (CTE): A permit required from State Pollution Control Boards to establish an industry that complies with environmental standards.
Who Issues It?
EC and CTE are issued by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
White Category of Industries
The white category consists of industries that are least polluting and cause minimal environmental harm.
Examples include: Solar power units, Wind and hydel power units, Fly ash brick manufacturing, Leather cutting and stitching, Air-cooler and air-conditioner servicing
These industries are exempt from the usual permissions due to their low environmental impact.
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