State expands ‘white category' industries list, experts say hospitals cannot be on it
Chennai: To simplify regulations and promote industrial growth,
Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
(TNPCB) expanded 'white category' industries list in the state from 37 to 609. These industries, recognised for their minimal to 'no-pollution' potential, will be exempt from obtaining consent under legislation to prevent air and water pollution following ratification from the environment and forests department, senior TNPCB officials said.On April 30, the board said these
white category industries
are exempt from obtaining consent under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. "The decision reflects the govt's commitment to promoting ease of doing business and sustainable industrial development without compromising on
environmental safeguards
.
The process can be streamlined, reducing procedural delays and fostering economic growth," an official said.TNPCB officials conducted a comparative analysis with states such as Karnataka, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh to identify industries with negligible environmental impact. The newly included sectors primarily involve dry mechanical and manual processes, packaging, assembly, and renewable energy component activities, all meeting stringent pollution index criteria, they said.
For instance, manufacture of rope, paper clips, and assembling units for electric lamps and electrical items, and manufacture of blocks from fly ash. "We submitted the resolution to the state. If the proposal is approved, it will reduce regulatory hurdles for non-polluting small-scale industries, attract investments, and foster economic growth without compromising environmental safeguards," the official said.However, experts have objected to the addition of healthcare establishments, including clinics and nursing homes below 30 beds in this category. The move overlooks the biomedical waste generated by small hospitals, which often conduct deliveries, minor surgeries, and dialysis. Biomedical waste contains infectious or potentially infectious material. "Small hospitals can generate trade effluents, emissions from equipment such as incinerators and DG sets, and sewage requiring treatment. It will not meet the non-polluting criteria," said S Sadasivan, whose NGO has sent a written objection to the board. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines mandate biomedical waste (BMW) authorisation for all healthcare facilities, regardless of size, to ensure proper disposal, he said.Experts warn that exempting these facilities could lead to improper waste handling and disposal. This waste can harbour pathogens and lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
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