Updated on June 09, 2025 06:06:30 PM
The State Pollution Control Board(SPCB) is a government organization that is responsible for implementing and enforcing environmental laws in a specific region or state. The SPCB is responsible for protecting the environment and public health, by regulating activities that cause pollution and environmental degradation.
SPCBs were typically established under the provision of the Water(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,1947, and the Air(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,1981. These laws act as a framework for SPCBs to carry out their responsibilities, consisting of monitoring and regulating industrial and commercial activities and managing and controlling water disposal, water supply, and sewage treatment.
Table of Content
State Pollution Control Board(SPCB), was established in every state and Union territory of India. The task assigned to SPCB is issuing of No Objection Certificate(NOC) to industries or services in their territory under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act,1981. They undertake activities to preserve, protect, and keep a check on environmental degradation. Ministry Of Environment, Forests, And Climate Change(MoEF&CC) has framed various rules and guidelines for the management of hazardous waste, biomedical Waste, Recycled waste, Noise Pollution, Municipal solid waste, E-waste, etc.
Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) has categorized the industries into- (the Red, Green, Orange, and white categories), they have to approach their SPCB for these NOCs. The issuance of these NOCs, known as Consent to Establish (CTE), is for establishing a unit, while the Consent to Operate (CTO) is for starting the operation. NOCs act as look-over and ensure that any industry operating follows the guidelines and restrictions imposed by the law. With the assistance of this NOC, the SPCB monitors industries regularly, ensuring that manufacturing plants comply with the location policy of the state and make sure that any risky industry doesn’t get permission to operate in sensitive or prohibited areas.
Division of Industries on their pollution index score:
Environmental Laws and rules entrusted to SPCBs and PCCs are:
Contract to Establish (CTE) is a NOC required by the industry, processing plant that needs to be issued by the SPCB/PCC because the environment is a matter under the concurrent list. Every state has the power to come up with its consent, process, and standard operating procedure and declare any area restricted zone where it won’t allow any polluting industry to operate. Businesses have the potential to cause pollution, so they require distinctive protocols for the inspection, testing, and installation of pollution control gadgets and monitoring mechanisms. The fees for the consent also depend on these factors and the industry’s capital investment. These checks are to be used to protect against environmental damage and promote sustainable practices in such industries at the time of their inception. The validity range of Consent to Establish NOC ranges from one to five years( depending on the category /SPCB). The NOC will have to be reapplied/renewed if the unit is not commissioned within this period
General Documents required for obtaining CTE are as follows:
After obtaining CTE, a subsequent Consent to Operate( CTO) NOC is issued before in unit can start functioning, as the name itself suggests that the unit will require the NOC to start operations. SPCBs conducts a thorough inspection of the facility, the inspection officer will visit and an inspection report will be prepared while ensuring that machinery and pollution control devices(if required) match the applicant declaration. This officer can have the background of an environmental expert or engineer with experience in the field who can eye out any potential hazard and make necessary recommendations to the business owner or the representative present during the inspection.
General Documents required for obtaining CTO are as follows:
Here is a detailed guide to the CTE registration process:
| Document and fee submission for CTE NOC | Inspection By the Authorities | Issuance of CTE NOC |
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Here’s a step-by-step guide for the CTO registration process:
| Document and fee submission for CTO NOC | Inspection By the Authorities | Issuance of CTO NOC |
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Industries are required to apply for a renewal of CTO at least 30 days before the expiry of the previous NOC. The officer will inspect the industry to verify whether the company has fulfilled all the conditions imposed. The renewal consent will be granted only after satisfactory compliance with the conditions imposed on the previous consent NOC
If any industry or plant establishes and operates without obtaining a valid CTE and CTO or both, the owner/s can face a penalty/ fine or imprisonment or both as per the Environment(Protection) Act,1986.
As per section 27 of the Water Act,1947, the State Board can review and make a reasonable variation of revoking any condition of the consent granted. SPCB has the power to refuse the given consent to an entity after allowing them to be heard. SPCB can also issue directions for closure, prohibition, or regulation of operation to whom it has issued the NOC, this is performed under section 33 of the Water Act,1947. Additionally, SPCB has the authority to cease the supply of electricity, water, or any other service to the industries.
SPCB has the power to cancel the consent granted under section 21 of the Air Act before the expiry of the period or refuse renewal of consent if the conditions on which the consent was allowed are not satisfied . If such a case happens, the concerned entity is provided with an opportunity before the NOC is cancelled.
Conclusion
In short, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment and public health by regulating and controlling pollution across various industries within a state or region., SPCBs ensure sustainable development while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment. By issuing permits, conducting inspections, and promoting pollution prevention and control measures, SPCBs contribute significantly to minimising environmental degradation and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
At Professional Utilities, we leverage our industry knowledge and expertise to help businesses navigate complex regulations, minimize risks, and optimize operations for maximum efficiency and profitability.
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The SPCB plays a crucial role as a major regulator for implementing environmental laws and pollution control measures in the state, ensuring compliance with environmental norms and minimizing adverse effects on the environment.
CPCB stands for Central Pollution Control Board, whereas SPCB stands for State Pollution Control Board. CPCB serves as a consultant to the State Pollution Control Board(SPCB) and the government on the matters connected to the implementation of the Environment, Air, and Water Acts.
Consent to Establish is required to be obtained before establishing any industry, Plant, or Process. It is the primary clearance, whereas Consent to Operate is Once the Industry, Plant, or Process is established according to mandatory pollution control systems, the units are required to obtain consent to operate.
Yes, a Start-Up must get authorization from SPCB before starting their business activities.
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