The Union government has streamlined regulations related to air and water pollution control to boost industrialisation across the country.

These changes will allow industries to operate without the need for regular license renewals, making it easier and faster to establish new industries, including those in high-polluting categories. The new notification also exempts the establishment of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) from environmental clearance requirements. The government aims to reduce procedural delays, ensuring quicker and more efficient approval processes while maintaining necessary environmental safeguards. As part of this effort, the time for granting consent to operate Red Category industries has been reduced from 120 days to 90 days. The amendments are designed to make the approval process clearer and faster, which will support industrial growth while safeguarding the environment.

The government has also amended the Uniform Consent Guidelines under the Air and Water Pollution Control Acts to streamline the process for industries across all states and Union Territories.