Uniform Consent Rules Revised: Faster Approvals, But Compliance Oversight Remains Key

While the Centre’s recent amendments to the Uniform Consent Guidelines under the Air and Water Acts aim to streamline industrial approvals, experts warn that several gaps still pose environmental risks and public concerns.

The revised framework allows Consent to Operate (CTO) to remain valid until cancellation, eliminates repeated renewals, and introduces consolidated consents, site-specific environmental assessments, and third-party audits. However, implementation challenges across States and Union territories may limit its effectiveness.

A key concern is enforcement gaps . With CTO validity now relying on periodic inspections, overburdened State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) may not monitor all industries effectively, leaving potential violations unchecked. Similarly, reliance on third-party audits raises questions about consistency and independence, especially for smaller or politically connected units.

The provision for deemed consent for Micro and Small Enterprises in pre-assessed industrial estates also raises environmental worries. While it speeds approvals, cumulative pollution from multiple small units may go unnoticed, affecting local water bodies, soil, and air quality.

The replacement of rigid siting norms with site-specific assessments introduces discretion for authorities. Experts warn this could lead to inconsistent enforcement, potentially putting nearby communities at risk. Meanwhile, one-time CTO fees and faster timelines for Red Category industries could weaken continuous oversight if resources for monitoring are insufficient.

Environmentalists stress that while the amendments enhance ease of doing business, the public’s safety and environmental protection ultimately depend on the SPCBs’ capacity to enforce compliance, conduct inspections, and prevent violations.

The government says the changes are designed to balance industrial growth with environmental safeguards , but analysts caution that proper monitoring, audits, and community engagement will be critical to prevent environmental and public health impacts.