Green nod exemption for Zero-pollution load industries

More than 30 industries that have zero pollution load have been exempted from taking environmental clearance as the centre released a new four-colour classification scheme for industries based on their pollution potential. Under the new categorization system, industries that pollute the most have been put in the red category, while the moderately polluting units are classified orange. Industries that have a significantly low pollution load have been placed in the green category, while those that operate without causing any pollution have been categorized as white. Terming it a "landmark" decision that gives a "fair picture" of the industries, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said the new system of recategorisation is based on an elaborate scientific exercise. The existing system was creating problems because it did not reflect the actual pollution caused by the various units.