Latest news with #PollutionIndex
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Blue tag for biogas, waste plants to ease pollution norm compliance
Gurgaon: In a significant regulatory shift, there is an addition of the "blue" category to the existing list of industries — red, orange, green and white. Haryana has adopted a new industrial classification framework introduced by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), adding the fifth category. Under CPCB's new system, certain industries are now classified as essential environmental services and moved to the blue category, which is more lenient. This new category is specifically for essential environmental services (EES) such as waste-to-energy plants, landfill maintenance, biomining operations and some compressed biogas units, utilities considered crucial for managing domestic and municipal waste. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The rationale behind this move is to distinguish environmental clean-up and waste-handling operations from conventional industries that generate pollution. An HSPCB official said, "These units are essential for managing growing urban waste, landfill overflow and sustainable energy production. Their inclusion in a separate category allows for easier regulatory handling without diluting scrutiny." Less paperwork As per the guidelines, these services are now eligible for an extended two-year consent-to-operate validity under the Water and Air Acts, based on their Pollution Index. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This is what he found in Paris after cleaning his canal, and believe me, you'll be surprised Daily Sport X Undo That means fewer renewals, less paperwork and reduced compliance burden. Earlier, waste-to-energy plants and certain biogas units were in stricter pollution categories (like orange or red). Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) chairman Vineet Garg issued orders on Aug 1 to align with this classification and begin granting the extended clearances. These services, though industrial in structure, are central to reducing pollution loads from other sources and preventing environmental degradation from domestic waste. CPCB said in a letter to all states, "The new category of the EES will be termed 'blue category sector', and as an incentive for the essential services, an additional two years validity for consent to operate will be provided." CPCB first wrote to all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) in Feb, directing adoption of the new classification. A follow-up letter in March expanded the list to include select compressed biogas units. Haryana is among the early adopters, formalising the update ahead of several others. Until now, such facilities were classified under conventional pollution-risk categories, limiting their operational leeway despite their public utility role. By carving out a distinct category, the regulator has recognised that some industrial units actively mitigate, rather than create, environmental harm. No compromise Officials say the move aims to fast-track operations of such utility units without compromising environmental safeguards. The move could streamline approvals for key public health and sanitation infrastructure and reduce bureaucratic delays. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
African Manager
11-03-2025
- General
- African Manager
Tunisia ranked 37th globally in Pollution Index
Hamdi Hached, an environmental engineer and climate expert, discussed Tunisia's environmental situation on Mosaique FM on Monday. He referenced the 2025 report by 'Numbeo,' a global database specializing in collecting and analyzing information, which revealed that Tunisia ranks 37th out of 113 countries in the Pollution Index, with a score of 70.1. This ranking reflects a deteriorating environmental situation that poses significant challenges for the state and society. Hamdi Hached expressed skepticism about the reliability of such reports, noting that their data is not always accurate and that they often focus on specific indicators while neglecting others. 'There are more than 113 countries involved globally, and the methods of comparison are not clear, especially since not all measures have been taken into account,' he emphasized. He added that reports published by the government and certain international partners are more credible. 'Tunisia ranks at an average level, despite the decline in all indicators, but the best environmental performance was recorded in 2018,' he stated. According to him, some indicators are considered high, given that Tunisia is not an industrial country but rather a consumer. 'Tunisia is not regarded as a polluting country compared to other nations worldwide (…). It is necessary to change mindsets and culture to achieve an effective environmental transition,' he concluded.
