In a move to streamline environmental approvals and support the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiative, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KPCB) has issued a circular allowing self-certification for obtaining environmental consents under specific conditions.
This reform is aimed at reducing processing times and removing procedural bottlenecks, especially for Green and Orange category industries.
🔍 Background:
- The decision is rooted in recommendations from:
- The Task Force meeting held on 25.03.2025
- The High-Level Technical Committee meeting on 12.08.2025
- It aligns with the amended Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- A similar amendment to the Water Act, 1974 is pending adoption by the Kerala Legislature.
📝 Key Highlights of the Circular:
✅ Self-Certification Consent Eligibility:
| Application Type | Orange Category (up to ₹) | Green Category (up to ₹) |
| Consent to Establish (CTE) | ₹50 lakh | ₹75 lakh |
| Consent to Operate (CTO) | ₹25 lakh | ₹50 lakh |
| Renewal of CTE & CTO | No Limit | No Limit |
🧾 Note: Self-certification must be provided through an affidavit on stamp paper of appropriate value.
🚫 Exemptions from Pre-Grant Inspection:
- For eligible units (as per the limits above), pre-grant inspections will be exempted.
- Inspections will still be conducted in cases involving:
- Complaints
- Litigations
📅 Processing Time Reduced:
- For Green Category Units, the processing time for consent has been reduced from 120 days to just 30 days, provided the application is complete in all respects.
🧹 Withdrawal of Previous Circulars:
The following earlier circulars now stand cancelled:
- PCB/T4/115/97 dated 15/02/2006
- PCB/T4/115/97 dated 15/10/2007
- PCB/T4/115/97(1) dated 21/11/2015
- PCB/HO/Circular/57/2019 dated 22/03/2022
🎯 Objective:
This reform is a step forward in:
- Promoting transparency and trust in regulatory processes
- Enhancing Ease of Doing Business in Kerala
- Encouraging green and compliant industrial growth
- Minimizing administrative delays for low-risk, small-scale industries
🗣️ Final Note:
With this move, Kerala joins the growing number of states adopting technology-driven, trust-based governance, making it easier and faster for industries to set up and operate while still maintaining environmental safeguards.