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MPCB Red, Orange & Green Category Classification in Maharashtra

Industries applying for approval from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are classified into Red, Orange or Green categories based on their pollution potential.
This classification determines the type of consent required, documentation, inspection frequency and compliance requirements.

Understanding your industry category is the first step before applying for Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO).

Why MPCB Categorizes Industries

MPCB classifies industries to control environmental impact and monitor pollution levels effectively.
Units with higher pollution potential require stricter regulations, more documentation and closer monitoring.

The classification mainly depends on:

  • type of manufacturing process

  • air emissions

  • wastewater generation

  • hazardous waste generation

  • chemicals used in production

Red Category Industries

Red category includes industries having high pollution potential.

These units generate significant emissions, effluent discharge or hazardous waste and require detailed scrutiny before approval.

Examples

  • Chemical manufacturing units

  • Bulk drug & pharmaceutical production

  • Electroplating and surface treatment

  • Dye and pigment manufacturing

  • Pesticide manufacturing

  • Oil refineries and large processing industries

Compliance Requirements

  • Mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE)

  • Mandatory Consent to Operate (CTO)

  • Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) required

  • Air pollution control equipment required

  • Periodic inspection by authorities

  • Regular compliance monitoring

Orange Category Industries

Orange category industries have moderate pollution potential.

They require approval and compliance but documentation and monitoring are comparatively simpler than Red category.

Examples

  • Engineering workshops

  • Food processing units

  • Printing and packaging industries

  • Automobile service stations

  • Fabrication units

Compliance Requirements

  • CTE and CTO approvals required

  • Basic pollution control systems

  • Periodic record maintenance

  • Limited inspection frequency

Green Category Industries

Green category includes industries with low pollution potential and minimal environmental impact.

These units generally produce negligible emissions or effluent.

Examples

  • Assembly units

  • Small workshops without chemical processes

  • Warehousing operations

  • Cold storage units

  • Commercial establishments

Compliance Requirements

  • Simplified consent procedure

  • Minimal documentation

  • Lower compliance monitoring

How Category Affects Your MPCB Approval

Your category directly impacts:

  • approval time

  • documentation requirements

  • inspection process

  • pollution control equipment requirement

  • consent validity period

Incorrect category selection often leads to queries or rejection during application processing.

 

How to Determine Your Industry Category

The category is decided based on the manufacturing process and pollution load.
It should be identified before filing the application because all documents and compliance planning depend on it.

Many industries face delays because they apply under the wrong category.

Need Help Identifying Your Category?

Sairaj Enviro Consultants assists industries in identifying the correct MPCB category and preparing documentation accordingly. Proper classification helps avoid queries and speeds up approval.
 

For complete assistance, visit our MPCB Consent (CTE & CTO) consultancy service page.

Call / WhatsApp: +91 9892526007
Email: info@sairajenviro.com

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