Introduction to the Blue Category

  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has implemented a revised classification system for industries.
  • Aimed at incentivising sectors involved in essential environmental services such as waste management and biomining, a new "Blue Category" has been introduced.

 

Classification Methodology  

  • The classification is dictated by the Pollution Index (PI), which was developed by CPCB.
  • Industries are classified based on their pollution potential, which is calculated after taking into account air, water, and waste pollutants.
  • The defined categories include Red (PI > 80), Orange (55 ≤ PI < 80), Green (PI < 25), and the new Blue Category for essential environmental services.

 

Insights about the Blue Category

  • Industries such as landfill maintenance, biomining, and waste-to-energy plants come under this category.
  • In light of their contributions towards environmental management, they are granted a two-year extension on their consent to operate.
  • Despite having a high PI (97.6), waste-to-energy plants are categorised as Blue due to their essential environmental service.
  • Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants may also qualify for the Blue Category, dependent on their feedstock.

 

CPCB - An Overview

  • CPCB is a statutory body, formed under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
  • Subsequent to its establishment, CPCB was imbued with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  • The board provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, in accordance with the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.