Gujarat Eases Regulations for CBG Plants, Eliminates Need for Separate NOCs

Gandhinagar, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Gujarat has announced a significant regulatory change for compressed biogas (CBG) and bio-CNG plants. As of now, these facilities will no longer need to obtain separate no-objection certificates (NOCs) or consent documents from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). This decision aims to streamline regulatory processes and reduce delays in government approvals.

The GPCB issued this notification on October 28, implementing the revised “White Category” classification mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Under this new classification, eligible plants that use specified raw materials and meet certain conditions are exempt from obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the state pollution control board.

This initiative seeks to ensure uniform implementation of exemptions across Gujarat, eliminating the need for individual units to contact the GPCB for clarifications or separate exemption letters. The notification follows a GPCB circular released on October 23, which published a revised list of 768 industrial activities and products classified under the updated “White Category” by the CPCB.

Eligible CBG plants are now listed under numbers 763 and 768, provided they meet the required raw material specifications and other conditions. The exemption is expected to reduce correspondence and procedural delays, particularly for projects applying for registration, permits, and financial assistance under government schemes.

However, it’s important to note that the exemption from CTE and CTO does not absolve these plants of their environmental compliance obligations. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on November 12, 2024, eligible “White Category” units must notify the state pollution control board in a prescribed manner and submit a self-declaration confirming compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

The GPCB’s recent notification also addresses instances where government departments and other authorities have requested CTE, CTO, or separate NOCs from applicants of CBG and bio-CNG projects during the registration process on the Gobardhan Integrated Registration Portal or while seeking other approvals and financial assistance.

The clarification states that government departments, registration authorities, and other agencies no longer need to request separate CTE, CTO, or NOC documents from eligible plants falling under the “White Category.” They can proceed with the application process based on the necessary notifications submitted to the GPCB, in accordance with applicable legal provisions and established procedures.

The updated “White Category” list and notification are available on the GPCB’s official website.