The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has shared new rules about transportation charges for collecting environmental samples. These rules mainly help small industries with an investment of up to ₹50 lakhs that fall under the green and orange categories. The aim is to make the process clear, simple, and fair for everyone. These instructions follow the Government Order issued on 26 April 2022. The changes help industries across Kerala comply with KSPCB rules more easily while keeping costs under control.

Background on KSPCB Sampling Charges

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board sets rules for the collection of water and effluent samples from industries. These samples help check if factories follow pollution control laws. Earlier, KSPCB charged industries for both testing the samples and transporting officers and vehicles for sample collection. This system caused confusion, especially for small industries with low capital investment.

To support small units, KSPCB later decided to remove analysis charges for green and orange category industries with investment up to ₹50 lakhs. This step reduced the financial burden and helped industries follow environmental rules easily. However, transportation charges for sample collection were still required. Many industries asked how these transportation charges should be calculated and when payment was needed.

These rules define when sampling charges will be required, how transportation charges will be computed, and which industries will be eligible for fee relaxation. The above information will enable industries to understand KSPCB's sampling charges clearly.

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Key Clarifications by KSPCB

The KSPCB clarified the following points:

• One sampling or monitoring per year (12 months) is exempt from analysis and transportation charges for industries with a capital investment of up to ₹50 lakhs in the green and orange categories.
• If additional sampling is required within the 12 months due to complaints, litigation, or non-compliance, both analysis and transportation charges must be collected according to the next applicable charge slab.
• Transportation charges are calculated based on the distance from the KSPCB office to the sampling point, regardless of vehicle ownership (own, hired, or contract).
• Charges must follow the rates specified in the latest Government Order, ensuring uniformity across all regions.

These clarifications provide industries with a clear understanding of when they need to pay transportation charges and how to calculate them.

Transportation Charges as Per New Notification

The Government of Kerala revised hire charges for vehicles. The new rates apply to vehicles used for sampling and other official purposes:

• Auto-rickshaws: Minimum ₹30 for up to 1.5 km. Beyond 1.5 km, ₹15 per km and ₹1.50 per 100 meters.
• Quadricycles: Minimum ₹35 for up to 1.5 km. Beyond 1.5 km, ₹15 per km and ₹1.50 per 100 meters.
• Motor cabs under 1500cc: ₹18 per km, minimum ₹200 for up to 5 km.
• Motor cabs 1500cc and above: ₹20 per km, minimum ₹225 for up to 5 km.

Additional charges:

• Journeys between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. incur a 50% surcharge.
• Daytime journeys may incur a 50% surcharge for onward trips, except in major cities, where only metered charges apply.
• Detention charges apply for waiting periods: ₹10 per 15 minutes for auto-rickshaws/quadricycles (max ₹250/day) and ₹50 per hour for motor cabs (max ₹500/day).

These rates ensure fair compensation for vehicle owners while keeping costs transparent for industries.

Impact on Industries in Kerala

The new guidelines greatly affect the industries, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The green and orange category industries, with an investment capacity of up to ₹50 lakhs, are exempted once a year. The above relaxation helps save costs and promotes environmentally responsible behaviour.

For larger industries or cases that require additional sampling, it is easy to budget for the transportation charges, which are clearly distance-based. Industries have a clear cost structure for environmental sampling and testing. The guidelines have removed ambiguity and made industries and KSPCB officials more accountable.

In general, the standards support the Kerala government's intention to maintain high environmental standards without impacting smaller businesses.

How Industries Can Comply?

Industries in Kerala can follow these steps to comply with KSPCB sampling and transportation charges:

• Determine the category: Check if the industry falls under the green, orange, or red category.
• Schedule sampling: Arrange one annual sampling free of charge if eligible.
• Calculate charges for additional sampling: Use the latest rates based on distance and vehicle type.
• Pay transportation charges: Submit payment at the applicable rates and retain receipts for records.
• Maintain documentation: Keep all records of sampling and payments for audits and inspections.
• Follow updates: Regularly check KSPCB circulars for any changes in procedures or rates.

Importance of Transparent Monitoring

Transparent processes and fees are significant for environmental monitoring. This avoids discrepancies amongst industries and enables KSPCB to monitor water and effluent quality accurately. Distance-based transport fees are substantial, unlike those for other transport services, on the principle of equal treatment for industries.

In addition, this guideline system encourages industries to become more environmentally friendly. The Kerala model ensures compliance predictability, providing a shining example of a balance between industrialisation and environmental protection.

Conclusion

The Kerala Pollution Control Board shared new rules in 2026 about travel charges for environmental sample collection. Small industries with investments up to ₹50 lakhs receive one free sampling per year. If more samples are needed, transportation charges depend on the distance travelled. The rules also clearly show vehicle rates for auto-rickshaws, quadricycles, and motor cabs. This makes KSPCB transportation charges easy to understand and fair for all industries.

These changes make the rules clear, fair, and easy to follow. Industries can now plan their environmental monitoring costs without confusion and keep proper records. The guidelines also help protect the environment in Kerala. At the same time, industries can continue to grow responsibly. This balance supports pollution control and helps create a clean and safe Kerala for all.