AIR & WATER ACT COMPLIANCE

Pollution Control Board Registration

Mandatory environmental consent for industries. We help you obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB).

Category Assessment

Find your industry classification.

Why is PCB Consent Mandatory?

Under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, no person can establish any industry or process without obtaining prior consent from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).

Operating without a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) is a criminal offense, liable for heavy penalties, disconnection of electricity/water supply, and immediate closure of the unit.

Industrial Classification

Which Category Are You?

Based on Pollution Index Score.

Red Category

Pollution Index > 60

Highly polluting industries like Chemical Plants, Tanneries, Pharma, and Heavy Engineering.

Max Scrutiny

Orange Category

Pollution Index 41–59

Moderately polluting industries like Food Processing, Hotels, Automobiles, and Stone Crushers.

Strict Norms

Green Category

Pollution Index 21–40

Industries with low pollution potential like small assembly units, flour mills, and packaging.

Faster Approval

White Category

Pollution Index < 20

Non-polluting industries like Solar Power, Wind Energy, and simple assembly. No CTO needed (Intimation only).

Exempted
Two-Stage Approval

Compliance Lifecycle

Stage 1

Consent to Establish (CTE)

Must be obtained BEFORE starting construction or installation of machinery. It acts as a primary NOC to set up the industry.

  • Site Suitability Check
  • Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
  • Valid for 1 to 5 years (setup phase)
Stage 2

Consent to Operate (CTO)

Must be obtained AFTER installation but BEFORE starting production. It verifies that pollution control devices (ETP/STP/APC) are installed.

  • Requires Site Inspection
  • Monitoring Reports (Air/Water)
  • Periodic Renewal Required

Required Documents

The application is filed online through the State's OCMMS portal. Key documents include:

  • Site Plan / LayoutShowing manufacturing area, ETP/STP location, and green belt.
  • Process Flow ChartDetailed manufacturing process with emission/effluent points.
  • Land DocumentsSale Deed or Rent Agreement with Land Usage proof.
  • CA CertificateCertificate of Gross Capital Investment on Land, Building, and Machinery.

Specific Requirements

For Red/Orange Categories:
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Plan
• Hazardous Waste Authorization
• Boiler/DG Set Stack Details

Get Document Checklist

Professional Services

PCB Consultancy

Full Liaison & Filing

Request Quote

State Specific Pricing

  • Online Application (CTE/CTO)
  • Environmental Plan Drafting
  • Liaison with Regional Officer
  • Inspection Coordination
  • Query Resolution
Start Application

*Government fees depend on Capital Investment (e.g., 0.1% of Block Value).

Why CloudDesk for Pollution Control?

Pollution compliance is now digital and data-driven. A single bad effluent sample can trigger a National Green Tribunal (NGT) fine of Crores.

1. Strategic Categorization (The 5-Color Rule)

We don't just apply; we strategically classify your unit based on the Pollution Index (PI): Red (PI ≥ 60) for heavy industries needing strict CTE/CTO, Orange (PI 41–59) for moderate units, Green (PI 21–40) for simplified "Auto-Grant," White (PI < 20) requiring only online intimation, and the new Blue category (2026) for Essential Environmental Services.

2. The "2026 Long-Term Framework"

Following the 2026 Air Pollution Grant of Consent Amendments, we help you opt for the 25-year Extended Consent by paying a one-time fee. This eliminates the headache of recurring renewals and administrative red tape.

3. Registered Environment Auditor Liaison

The 2026 rules empower Private Environment Auditors to verify site assessments. CloudDesk partners with certified auditors to fast-track your application, ensuring your Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Air Scrubbers are certified without waiting for a busy government inspector.

4. Deemed Consent for MSMEs

If you are a Micro or Small unit in a notified industrial area, CloudDesk utilizes the "Deemed CTE" mechanism. We file your self-certified application and get your project moving instantly, skipping the 60-day waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Consent to Establish (CTE)?

It is the "Permission to Build." You must get this before you lay a single brick or install any machinery. It validates that your location and pollution control plans are legal.

What is Consent to Operate (CTO)?

It is the "Permission to Run." Once the factory is built, we apply for CTO. An inspector (or auditor) verifies that you actually installed the ETP/STP you promised in the CTE. You cannot start commercial production without this.

Can I skip CTE if I am moving into an existing building?

No. If the "Process" or "Capacity" changes, a fresh CTE (or an Amendment) is required.

Is the "Periodic Renewal" of CTO really gone?

Yes. Under the 2026 framework, once granted, the CTO stays valid for the chosen period (up to 25 years) as long as you pay the annual fee and don't violate the pollution norms.

What is the "One-Time Fee" system?

State boards now allow you to pay the consent fee for a block of 5, 10, or 25 years upfront. CloudDesk calculates the most tax-efficient block for your business scale.

Does the "White Category" really need zero paperwork?

Not zero. You must submit an Online Intimation and a Self-Declaration. If you fail to do this and are caught, you are treated as an "Unregistered Unit."

What is the "Polluter Pays" fine in 2026?

If you exceed discharge limits, the PCB calculates Environmental Compensation based on the duration of the violation. For a medium-scale Orange unit, this can easily reach ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per day.

Can my CEO be imprisoned for pollution?

Yes. Under the Water and Air Acts, the "Person in Charge" can face 1.5 to 6 years of imprisonment for continued non-compliance or operating without consent.