Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) launched a new industry classification called ‘Blue Category’, introducing it under the framework of Essential Environmental Services (EES). This categorisation has stirred national debate, especially due to the inclusion of highly polluting Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incineration units under this label.
Key Highlights
New Category Launched: ‘Blue Category’ added by CPCB is under Essential Environmental Services (EES).
Major Reclassification: WTE incineration industries which were earlier under ‘Red Category’ (PI = 97.6), are now reclassified as ‘Blue Category’.
Controversy: Move criticized as “Blue Washing” – an attempt to portray polluting industries as clean or eco-friendly.
Impact of Reclassification
- Industries get 2-year extension in ‘consent to operate’ (i.e., consent to pollute).
- Contradiction: CPCB’s own guidelines state only non-hazardous and non-emitting projects can qualify for Blue Category.
What is Blue Washing?
Blue Washing (Similar to “Greenwashing”) refers to rebranding highly polluting industries as environmentally responsible by placing them in a favorable regulatory category.
What is Blue Category?
Introduced by CPCB for industries offering essential waste management services:
- Composting
- Biogas plants
- Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
- Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
- Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Incineration
WTE incineration now added to this category despite their high pollution footprint.
Why WTE Incineration is Controversial?
- Previously Under Red Category: PI = 97.6 (among highest polluters)
- Emissions: It releases SOx, NOx, PM, dioxins, furans, toxic water effluents, and hazardous ash.
- As per CPCB inspection: Delhi’s WTE plants exceeded carcinogen limits.
- FY 2022-23: 7,35,840 tons of plastic burned, increased Delhi’s chloride levels and AQI.
Categorisation of Industry
Categorisation developed by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC) based on Pollution Index (PI):
| Category | PI Range | Pollution Level |
| White | 0–20 | Least polluting |
| Green | 21–40 | Low pollution |
| Orange | 41–59 | Moderate pollution |
| Red | 60–100 | Highly polluting |
WTE Incineration (PI: 97.6) was in Red, now moved to Blue, thus raising concern over policy inconsistency.
Environmental & Social Concerns
- Health & Climate Impacts: WTE plants emit more CO₂/unit electricity than coal plants.
- Economic Impact: Adds financial burden on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
- Social Impact: Reduces livelihood opportunities for waste pickers.
- Environmental Degradation: Contributes to toxic air pollution, especially in cities like Delhi.
About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Status: A statutory organization under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Established: In 1974 under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and later entrusted with powers and responsibilities under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Headquarters: Parivesh Bhawan, New Delhi
Functions of CPCB:
- Monitor and Control Water and Air Pollution: CPCB advises the central and state governments on matters related to the prevention, control, and abatement of water and air pollution.
- Set Environmental Standards: It sets national standards for the quality of air, water, and industrial emissions/discharges.
- Environmental Monitoring: Operates a nationwide network for air and water quality monitoring, like National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) and National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP).
- Research and Development: Carries out research on pollution control technologies and pollution impact assessments.
- Coordination with SPCBs: Works in coordination with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) for implementation of environmental laws and policies.
Public Awareness and Training: Conducts awareness campaigns and training programs for various stakeholders on pollution control.