In a significant move to boost ease of doing business and reduce regulatory compliance burdens, the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has introduced a fully automated module for issuing fresh Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) specifically for green category industries. This innovative system, launched on Saturday, marks a major step forward in streamlining industrial approvals in the region.
Zero-Day Approval Timeline for Green Industries
The newly launched module is seamlessly integrated with the existing Online Consent Management and Monitoring System (OCMMS) portal, accessible at chocmms.in. This integration has dramatically reduced the approval timeline for green category industrial units from the previous 15 days to an impressive zero days. Upon submission of applications along with the requisite fees, approvals are now issued instantly, eliminating any need for manual scrutiny or intervention.
Impact on Chandigarh's Industrial Landscape
Green category industries, which account for approximately 40% of Chandigarh's industrial setup, stand to benefit immensely from this automation. The initiative was formally presented to industry representatives on Saturday, where it received widespread appreciation for its role in easing regulatory processes and enhancing operational efficiency. By automating CTE and CTO approvals for new green category industries, Chandigarh is setting a new benchmark in regulatory efficiency and public convenience.
Supporting National Ease of Doing Business Agenda
The CPCC chairman emphasized that this move directly supports the national Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) agenda. He highlighted how the automated system not only simplifies compliance but also fosters a more business-friendly environment. The member secretary of CPCC added that this initiative is part of a series of proactive reforms aimed at reducing the compliance burden on industries, making Chandigarh a more attractive destination for investment and industrial growth.
Key Reforms Already Implemented
In addition to the new automated module, the CPCC has implemented several other key reforms to further ease regulatory compliance:
- Auto-renewal facility for Consent to Operate (CTO): This facility has been extended across red, orange, and green categories, completely eliminating manual intervention in the renewal process.
- Exemption for white category units: Industries classified as white category, which do not generate water or air pollution, are now exempted from consent management. Instead, they can utilize a self-certification facility.
- Reduced inspection and sampling frequency: The frequency of inspections and sampling has been significantly reduced, minimizing disruptions to industrial operations.
- Exclusion of stand-alone DG sets: Stand-alone diesel generator sets with a capacity of up to 1,000 KVA have been kept outside the consent purview, simplifying compliance for many businesses.
- Overall reduction in processing timelines: There has been a substantial reduction in the overall consent processing timelines, making the entire system more efficient and responsive.
These reforms collectively represent a comprehensive effort by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee to modernize regulatory frameworks, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote sustainable industrial development in the region.
