CPCB Updates Recognition for 70+ Environmental Labs
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a comprehensive notification updating its official list of recognized Environmental Laboratories and designated Government Analysts under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification, dated October 7, 2025, reflects two major actions by the CPCB: the substitution (renewal/amendment) of entries for 41 existing laboratories and the insertion of 37 new laboratories into the recognized list.
CPCB Recognizes Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s Central Laboratory as Environmental Lab
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has recognized a new Environmental Laboratory and designated several Government Analysts for environmental sample analysis. This recognition is granted under the powers of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The notification, dated October 7, 2025, adds a new entry to the CPCB’s list of recognized facilities, expanding the network responsible for crucial environmental monitoring.
Environment Ministry Updates ‘White Category’ List for Air and Water Pollution Control
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has substituted the schedule listing industrial plants and sectors classified under the “White Category.” The White Category encompasses industries that are exempted from needing prior Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO) under certain provisions of the Water and Air Acts.
CPCB Report Shows Decline in Polluted River Stretches Across India
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released its latest assessment of river water quality, based on data from 2022 and 2023, revealing a significant reduction in the total number of identified Polluted River Stretches (PRS) across the country. This improvement is attributed to concerted efforts by State Governments toward better infrastructure for sewage, industrial effluent, and waste management.
Government Streamlines Environmental Clearances, Exempts Certain Industries from Consent to Establish
The Central Government has amended the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, to exempt certain categories of industries from obtaining consents.
New Air And Water Pollution Consent Guidelines Released
These guidelines outline the procedures and criteria for obtaining, renewing, and potentially losing consent to establish or operate industrial plants that may cause air and water pollution. These guidelines aim to streamline the consent process while ensuring environmental protection.
India Streamlines Environmental Clearances to Boost Ease of Doing Business
To reduce redundancy and streamline approvals, the Central Government has amended Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981, and Section 25 of the Water Act, 1974. Notifications dated November 12, 2024 have been issued to exempt certain categories of industries from obtaining consents. Specifically, “white” category industries are completely exempted from the consent mechanism, while other categories are exempted from CTE if the project has already received environmental clearance under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
New Rules for Water Pollution Cases
The rules provide that complaints can be filed electronically, by speed post, or in person. Adjudicating officers are required to initiate inquiries within 30 days of receiving a complaint. The entire inquiry process, including evidence gathering and decision-making, must be completed within six months.