More than 30 industries that have zero pollution load have been exempted from taking environmental clearance even as the Centre released a new four-colour classification scheme for industries based on their pollution potential. Under the new categorisation system, industries that pollute the most have been put in the red category, while the moderately polluting units are classified orange.
Industries that have a significantly low pollution load have been placed in the green category, while those that operate without causing any pollution have been categorised as white.
Terming it a "landmark" decision that gives a "fair picture" of the industries, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the new system of re-categorisation is based on an elaborate scientific exercise. The existing system was creating problems because it did not reflect the actual pollution caused by the various units.
A further 36 industries like air coolers and cotton and woollen hosiery, which have a pollution index score of up to 20, have been kept in the white category.