As per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), existing and new CETPs across the country will no longer be required to obtain prior Environmental Clearance (EC) under the EIA Notification, 2006. However, this exemption is subject to strict compliance with stringent environmental safeguard conditions.

The Ministry stated that the matter was deliberated in detail by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for the Infrastructure Sector and, subsequently, by the Expert Advisory Committee. Based on their recommendations, specific environmental protection criteria have been prescribed for CETPs.

These conditions will be mandatorily enforced by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) of Union Territories, while granting Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO).

Prescribed Conditions

The conditions mandate that the location of the CETP must strictly comply with the siting criteria prescribed by the State Pollution Control Board. Further, the effluent from member industries must be conveyed to the CETP only through dedicated pipelines; transportation through tankers or vehicles is strictly prohibited. The treated effluent shall also be supplied back to industries for reuse only through pipelines. The treated water shall not be used for agriculture, horticulture, landscaping or plantation purposes.

Moreover, all the member industries must ensure mandatory pre-treatment of effluents before discharge into the CETP. The installation of a tertiary treatment system at the CETP has also been made compulsory, besides a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system. Online Continuous Monitoring Systems (OCMS) must be installed at inlet and outlet points, with real-time connectivity to CPCB/SPCB servers.

The other conditions pertain to the disposal of sludge and hazardous waste, besides the development of a mandatory greenbelt around the CETP premises.

The government's decision is expected to simplify the process of establishing CETPs and, thereby, encourage the collective treatment of industrial effluents in industrial clusters. At the same time, the imposition of stringent conditions aims to prevent water pollution and mitigate adverse environmental impacts.

Following an Office Memorandum issued by the MoEF&CC in this regard, the role of State Pollution Control Boards has become more crucial, with enhanced responsibility for monitoring, regulation, and transparency in CETP operations. 

Regulatory Framework

The Central government has rationalised the regulatory framework applicable to CETPs. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified CETPs under the Blue Category as “Essential Environmental Services”, recognising the need to promote such facilities for environmental protection.

As per information shared in Parliament, 222 CETPs are currently operational across the country, collectively treating wastewater from small and medium industries to control pollution and ensure compliance with prescribed environmental standards.