In a significant move to strengthen environmental compliance, the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) has issued a new notification mandating strict environmental sampling schedules for industries across the state. The directive, effective immediately, follows orders from the National Green Tribunal and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The notification outlines frequency-based sampling of industries to monitor their adherence to pollution control norms under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
🔍 Sampling Frequency Guidelines by Category:
| Category | Sampling Frequency |
| Highly Polluting 17-Categories | Every 3 months |
| Red Category (Other than 17) | Every 6 months |
| Orange Category | Every 1 year |
| Green Category | Every 2 years |
| Facilities like CBWTF, CHWRDF, CMSWTDF, CETP, STP | Every 3 months |
🧪 Monitoring & Sampling Process
- Central Laboratory of APCB will carry out air and wastewater quality monitoring for highly polluting and red-category industries.
- Regional Offices (ROs and RLOS) are to assist in coordination.
- Industries must bear the cost of sample collection and analysis as per the Board’s approved rates.
🛑 Purpose and Enforcement
The revised sampling routine is aimed at:
- Ensuring strict compliance with CTE/CTO conditions.
- Assessing actual environmental impact through regular surveillance.
The order, issued under Section 23(1) of the Water Act and Section 26(1) of the Air Act, reinforces the board’s commitment to sustainable industrial operations in line with the LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission.
EFFECTIVE DATE : JULY 11, 2025