In an important policy reform, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has simplified the regulatory framework for Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs).
As per the notification dated 28 January 2026, CETPs have been exempted from prior Environmental Clearance (EC) under the EIA Notification, 2006, while strict environmental safeguards remain in force.
The objective is clear:
✔ Faster establishment of CETPs
✔ Better pollution control in industrial clusters
✔ Stronger compliance without unnecessary delays
CETP
A Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) is a centralised facility designed to treat industrial wastewater (effluents) generated by a group or cluster of industries.
Why CETPs are Needed?
- Small and medium industries often cannot afford individual treatment plants
- CETPs provide cost-effective and scientific treatment
- They prevent untreated effluent discharge into rivers, soil and groundwater
👉 CETPs are not pollution sources; they are pollution control facilities.
The Central Pollution Control Board classifies CETPs under the Blue Category, meaning Essential Environmental Services that must be promoted.
What is Environmental Clearance (EC)?
Environmental Clearance (EC) is an official approval required before starting certain projects, ensuring that environmental impacts are studied and managed properly.
EC is granted after:
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Public consultation (where applicable)
- Expert committee appraisal
Earlier, CETPs required prior EC, which caused delays.
The EIA Notification, 2006, issued under the Environment Protection Act, makes Environmental Clearance mandatory for certain categories of projects.
- CETPs were listed under Item 7(h)
- This meant mandatory EC, even though CETPs already follow strict pollution laws
Latest Change:
Item 7(h) has now been omitted, meaning CETPs no longer require prior EC.
Why Did the Government Remove EC Requirement for CETPs?
After detailed review by Expert Appraisal Committees, the government observed:
1️⃣ CETPs Are Already Heavily Regulated
CETPs must obtain:
- Consent to Establish (CTE)
- Consent to Operate (CTO)
under:
- Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974
- Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981
They also undergo:
- Periodic inspections
- Continuous online monitoring
- Statutory reporting
2️⃣ EC Was Causing Duplication and Delay
- EC added procedural complexity
- Delays led to untreated effluent entering the environment
- Removing EC speeds up pollution control infrastructure
Are Environmental Safeguards Still Strong?
Yes — safeguards are now even stronger
Under the revised framework:
🔹 Effluent must be conveyed only through closed pipeline systems
🔹 No treated effluent allowed for agriculture use
🔹 Real-time online monitoring mandatory
🔹 Data must be connected to CPCB and SPCB servers
🔹 Compliance enforced by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
This ensures:
- Full traceability
- Prevention of illegal discharge
- Protection of public health
Role of SPCBs and CPCB After the Reform
Even without EC, CETPs are strictly regulated by:
- State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
- Pollution Control Committees (PCCs)
Monitoring continues under:
- Water Act, 1974
- Air Act, 1981
- Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
👉 Regulation is now decentralised, faster and more effective.
Link with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
The government also highlighted:
- Increasing adoption of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
- Complete recycling of treated wastewater
- No discharge into environment
This supports:
💧 Water conservation
🌱 Sustainable industrial growth
♻ Circular economy principles
Environmental and Governance Benefits
✔ Faster CETP establishment
✔ Better compliance in industrial clusters
✔ Improved water quality
✔ Professional and centralised monitoring
✔ Reduced burden on environment
This reform reflects risk-based and outcome-oriented regulation.
Notification: https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2026/jan/doc2026129773601.pdf
The exemption of Environmental Clearance for CETPs is not deregulation — it is smart regulation. By removing duplication and strengthening real-time monitoring, the government has ensured faster pollution control with zero compromise on environmental safety.
