Odisha Pollution Control Board Advisory

Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) registration refers to the online process for industries and businesses to obtain mandatory consents, primarily Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO), required under pollution control laws before starting or running operations. The most important forms of OSPCB "Registration" are the statutory consents required for projects that have the potential to cause air or water pollution. These registrations ensure compliance with environmental norms for air, water, and waste management, categorized by industry type (Green, Orange, and Red) based on pollution potential.

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) performs core functions categorized into enforcement, advisory, and monitoring to prevent and control water and air pollution under the Water (PCP) Act 1974, Air (PCP) Act 1981, Water Cess Act 1977, and Environment (Protection) Act 1986 rules. These functions are broadly classified into three main categories: Enforcement (Regulatory), Advisory, and Monitoring/Facilitation.

1.  Enforcement (Regulatory) Functions

•    Granting Consent to Establish (CTE) to new industries, mines, and projects before construction begins.
•    Granting and periodically renewing Consent to Operate (CTO) to functioning units, ensuring they meet environmental standards.

2.  Advising the State Government

•    Environmental policies
•    Pollution control strategies

3.  Pollution Monitoring

•    Establishing and operating a network of monitoring stations (both manual and continuous) to assess Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) and Water Quality.
 

The key benefits of obtaining OSPCB registration:
•    Regulatory Approval: Grants permission to operate, confirming pollution control measures meet standards and reducing legal risks
•    Electricity Connection: Required by the local power distribution company.
•    Water Connection: Required for accessing industrial water supply.
•    Municipal License/Trade License: Required for commercial operations from local authorities.
•    CGWA NOC: Required for permission to withdraw ground water for commercial / industria / mining usage. 
 

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) holds responsibilities under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Water Cess Act 1977, and rules/notifications of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 to prevent pollution, improve air quality, and promote clean water bodies across the state. 

Consent Management (CTE/CTO):

•    Granting Consent to Establish (CTE): Issuing mandatory permission to all new or expanding industries, mines, and projects before they commence construction. This is to ensure pollution control is designed into the project from the start.
•    Granting and Renewing Consent to Operate (CTO): Issuing permission for a unit to start and continue production, only after confirming that the installed pollution control devices meet the prescribed standards. The renewal is periodic (e.g., Red Category industries often require renewal every 5 years).
 

The Odisha Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) classifies industries into different categories for CTE/CTO Registration based on their pollution potential. This classification system categorizes industries into four main groups: Red, Orange, Green, and White, based on their potential to pollute the environment.

Criteria for Classification

•    Water Polluter Score (PIW): Assesses effluent volume, BOD/COD, Ph., suspended solids and chemicals discharged.
•    Air Polluter Score (PIA): Evaluates stack emissions (PM, Sox, Ox) fugitive emissions/odors and fuel quantity/type.
•    Raw Materials and Manufacturing Process: The specific materials used and the technology/process adopted can lead to splitting an industrial sector into different sub-categories (e.g., electric heating vs. coal/wood fired heating) based on the expected pollutant generation.
 

The documents required for an application to the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB).
•    Pan Card of the unit
•    GST registration certificate
•    Udyam Registration / MSME Certificate (if applicable)
•    Site Plan/Layout Plan
•    Land documents (registration deed, lease deed or sale deed)
•    Manufacturing process flow chart
•    NOC from local body / Panchayat / Municipality
•    Details of machinery & equipment
•    Plant layout / factory layout drawing