The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a draft notification intending exemption of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) from the requirement of prior Environmental Clearance (EC) under the EIA Notification, 2006. Traditionally, CETPs were listed under item 7(h) requiring mandatory EC. However, industries across sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, paints, fertilizers, and electroplating have modernized their effluent treatment systems, adopting Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) and other advanced technologies. These improvements enable better waste management, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
The exemption intends to promote the establishment of CETPs as cost-effective, centralized facilities promoting collective responsibility and environmental accountability. While EC will not be mandatory, CETPs must comply with environmental safeguards enforced through the Consent to Establish/Operate mechanism under the Water and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts, 1974 and 1981. The decision follows recommendations by the Expert Appraisal and Expert Advisory Committees, reflecting a balance between industrial growth, technological advancement, and environmental protection.