India Environment Ministry targets industrial pollution and real estate regulatory clarity

The Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are engaging with industry stakeholders to address environmental regulations and air quality management.

In a workshop organized with CREDAI, officials discussed improving the ease of doing business for the real estate sector by reducing timelines for obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC) approvals. The ministry reaffirmed regulatory provisions such as phase-wise Consent to Establish (CTE) and clarified that design changes not increasing pollution load or built-up area do not require fresh EC amendments.

Separately, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has directed a ‘Zero-Tolerance’ policy against non-conforming polluting industries in the National Capital Region (NCR). Yadav emphasized the need for State Pollution Control Boards to focus on air pollution hotspots and implement practical mitigation plans. He stressed that coordinated stakeholder engagement and effective enforcement are essential to tackle air pollution in the region.