Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) - Overview

Now famous as GPCB - Gujarat Pollution Control Board was constituted on 15th October 1974. The Gujarat Government formed the Board as per the norms of the Water Act, 1974. The GPCB continues its environmental prevention and pollution control efforts with enhanced management tools. One of the significant roles of the Board is to issue GPCB consent certificates to any commercial activity in Gujarat.

GPCB is tackling many critical environmental problems via its existing Regional Offices (R.O.s) situated at Ahmedabad, Sanand, Vatva, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Bharuch, Anand, Surat, Vapi, Navsari, Sarigam, Jetpur, Ankleshwar, Sabarkantha, Surendranagar, Palanpur, Morbi, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Godhra, Mehsana, Kutch - west, Kutch - east, Bhavnagar, Nadiad, Junagadh and Porbandar.

Emphasis is on the performance of environmental infrastructures to meet pollution challenges under the 'Swarnim Gujarat' programmes initiated by the state government. Though the essential functions of the Board have remained regulatory, it has also been issuing GPCB CTE and CTO in Gujarat.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board

• The Board also gradually organises various awareness programmes on local problems like bio-medical waste, municipal solid waste, plastic issues, and air, water and land pollution generated by multiple industries.
• Efforts are being made for pollution control to prevent and minimise pollution and sustainable development.
• The GPCB, Head Office, Gandhinagar, has been registered by the BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards, Delhi under the Quality Management Systems (QMS) as per I.S.: ISO: 9001:2015 and I.S.: ISO: 14001:2015 for Environmental Management System (EMS).
• Recently, the Board has also been endowed with I.S.: 18001:2007 certificate for occupational health and safety (OHS).
• The central lab, Gandhinagar is now MOEF&CC recognised laboratory.
• The Board continues to make joint efforts with concerned municipal corporations, government offices, Municipalities, towns, hospitals, industries associations, educational institutions, etc.
• GPCB has conducted awareness programmes that have helped to be an effective tool in controlling and detecting environmental pollution.
• The Board also encourages waste reuse, i.e. co-processing and thus conserving natural resources. Also, treated sewage reuse by many projects in Gujarat is gaining momentum.
• In the GPCB's e-Governance programme, XGN (Extended Green Node) was launched by Shri Mangubhai Patel, Hon'ble Minister, Tribal Development, Forest & Environment, on 5th June - the World Environment Day, 2008.
• The XGN facility also encourages filing returns under the Water Cess Act 1977 and obtaining online assessment orders.
• The Board has been progressing in e-governance.

Objectives of GPCB

The primary objectives of the GPCB are defined as under:

• Pollution control at source to the maximum extent with due regard to economic viability, technological achievement, and environmental sensitivity.
• This objective is being fulfilled by setting gaseous emission and disposal standards.
• Bring about all-round improvement in the environment quality in Gujarat by effective laws implementation.
• Sites identification, procedures development and methods for the max recycle, reuse and then hazardous wastes disposal.
• Recycle and reuse maximisation of sewage and trade effluent on land for industrial and irrigation purposes after offering appropriate treatment. Thereby saving and economising water use. The practice also aids in stopping water pollution because of the decrease in waste discharges into water bodies and the receiving body.
• Minimise the adverse effects of pollution by selecting ideal locations for establishing new industrial estates/projects.
• Coordination with other agencies of the local authorities and state government to support the Common Effluent Treatment Plants and Treatment Stabilisation Disposal Facilities BMWF, CHWIF, and e-waste recycling facilities.
• Close coordination and rapport with non-government organisations, educational institutions, Industries Associations, Government organisations, etc., to create environmental awareness and prepare the workforce of tomorrow to handle the environmental load properly.

Mission and Vision of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board

• GPCB aims at developing all-round capabilities to protect the environment by controlling and preventing pollution through effective law enforcement and by adopting the best environmental management practices to keep Gujarat on the course of sustainable development.
• Over the years, the Board's mandate has developed several folds, necessitating ever-increasing demand for skill to handle complex laws and to cope with the challenging tasks of stringent performance standards expected of it.
• It aims at being not only a regulator but a supporter of developments with paradigm changes of a long-term nature, i.e. Help Desk and Environment Clinic. 
• As the organisation's effectiveness lends credibility, it seeks to modify the competencies and skills of staff, systems and processes, the attitudes of officers, leadership and relationships that influence the outcome.
• Optimum utilisation of the collective experience and GPCB knowledge becomes feasible via teams.
• Effective communication involves knowledge of the issue, patience, language skill and understanding. As public servants, GPCB always acts with humility while being firm on the regulatory role and demonstrating the capability to receive feedback with empathy and patiently and act on such feedback.
• GPCB must initiate measures for fostering commitment, and competence building, cultivate trust and common purpose between the higher and lower levels and improve employee growth and motivation.
• Administrative controls are essential to guarantee the quality and promptness with which the service will be delivered to the clients. A voluntary code of conduct shall go a long way to secure the required commitment.
• The transformation for good governance calls for a change of leadership role to engage and empower all those working in GPCB. GPCB leadership, therefore, is dedicated to pioneering all efforts to protect the vision.

GPCB Consent To Establish (CTE)/NOC (No Objection Certificates) Concerning Location Clearance

As per norms of Section 17 of the Water Act, 1974 and the Environmental Guidelines published by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India (GoI) for industries siting, GPCB advises related authorities and departments of the government concerning the location of the sector which is expected to pollute water or air as an outcome of many operations/processes taking place therein. GPCB issues consent certificates while considering certain conditions.

GPCB thoughtfully examines the location clearance cases and determines various norms and requirements related to environmental pollution control. These conditions associated with issuing the GPCB CTE/CTO are communicated to the applicant. On receiving the commitment from the applicant about fulfilling these requirements, the GPCB issues location clearance certificates.

Checklist for obtaining CTE by GPCB - Fresh application

List of mandatory documents:

1. Land-related documents

A. If the plot is outside the GIDC area, the following documents are required -

i. If the industry owns the plot, submit land ownership documents such as land records 7/12, registered sale deed etc.

ii. If the industry rents the plot, submit a valid lease/rent agreement with the condition "In case of violation of any environmental laws, the tenant (industrial unit) and the plot owner are severally and jointly liable.

Note: If the industry rents the plot, documents at both points (i) & (ii) above are applicable.

iii. N.A. permission (Non-agricultural purpose)

iv. Distance certificate from Talati

B. If the plot is within the GIDC area, the following documents are required -

i. If the industry owns the plot, submit a GIDC plot allotment/possession letter.

ii. If the industry rents the plot, submit a valid lease/rent agreement with the condition - In case of violation of any environmental laws, the tenant (Industrial unit) and the plot owner are severally and jointly liable.

Note: If the industry rents the plot, documents at both points (i) & (ii) above are applicable.

2. Site Plan:

It must show nearby landmarks (covering a radius of 3 km for Small Scale Industries and 5 km in case of other industries) (satellite image is preferred).

3. CA Certificate (with bifurcation)

4. Layout plan (plot/factory layout)

5. List of Partners/Proprietors/ Directors

6. Technical Details:

• (a)Raw material
• (b) Product
• (c)Water consumption
• (d) Fuel details
• (e)Wastewater generation and disposal
• (f)Flue gas emission
• (g)Process gas emission
• (h)Hazardous waste disposal and generation

7. Manufacturing Process (Process description, Process flow diagram, Chemical reaction, Mass balance)

8. Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) details (description of ETP units with size/ capacity, ETP scheme, ETP flow diagram)

9. Water balance diagram

10. Membership of common facility (showing book quantity) for treated effluent disposal, if applicable.

11. EIA report, if the suggested investment is more than Rs. 250 Cr. (Where Environment Clearance does not apply to products/projects/ activities).

12. Details of land available for plantation/irrigation/gardening if treated effluent suggested to be used for that purpose.

13. Valid lease permission from the concerned authority in the case of quarry/mining projects where mining is included.

14. Compliance regarding reasons for rejection in case of re-consideration (RCN) of CTE.

List of other required documents for obtaining GPCB Consent Certificates:

1. The undertaking of the plot owner or zoning document if the plot is outside the GIDC area and within the urban development area where the authority prepares the development plan.

2. In case of E.C. applicability, copy of Environment Clearance (E.C.)/Term of Reference (ToR) (in case of E.C. to CTE application).

3. Self Declaration/undertaking for non-applicability of any Environmental Act*, if applicable.

4. MSME certificate (Udhyog Aadhaar)/Small Scale Industry (SSI)/Memorandum of Entrepreneurship Certificate, if applicable.

5. NOC of CGWA or NOC application copy for withdrawing borewell water, if applicable.

6. In the case of an Industrial Complex/Estate/Park/Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a legal undertaking with clear identification of management to guarantee adherence to compliance throughout the life of such complex/estate concerning the particular conditions of Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (where E.C./ToR obtained by Industrial Complex/Estate/Park/ SEZ).

7. Treatability report for Environment Management System (EMS), if applicable.

Note:

I. Industry must upload scanned copies of documents in the XGN system in pdf format only. Technical & other details must be filled in the XGN system in master technical data and other pages.

III. If E.C. to CTE (as a fresh application), submit documents and details according to the checklist of CTE - Fresh.

Checklist 2 for obtaining GPCB NOC

List for (TE-Amendment application)

TYPE 1 - LIST OF MANDATORY DOCUMENTS ONLY FOR CHANGE IN PLOT OR ADDITION OF PLOT:

1. Land-related documents:

A. If the plot is outside the GIDC area, the following documents are required -

• i. If the industry owns the plot, submit land ownership documents such as land records 7/12, registered sale deed etc.
• ii. If the industry rents the plot, submit a valid lease/rent agreement with the condition "In case of violation of any environmental laws, the tenant (industrial unit) and the plot owner are severally and jointly liable.
• Note: If the industry rents the plot, documents at both points (i) & (ii) above are applicable.
• iii. N.A. permission (Non-agricultural purpose)
• iv. Distance certificate from Talati

B. If the plot is within the GIDC area, the following documents are required -

• i. If the industry owns the plot, submit a GIDC plot allotment/possession letter.
• ii. If the industry rents the plot, submit a valid lease/rent agreement with the condition - In case of violation of any environmental laws, the tenant (Industrial unit) and the plot owner are severally and jointly liable.
• Note: If the industry rents the plot, documents at both points (i) & (ii) above are applicable.

2. Site Plan:

It must show nearby landmarks (covering a radius of 3 km for Small Scale Industries and 5 km in case of other industries) (satellite image is preferred).

3. Layout plan (factory/ plot layout)

TYPE 2 - LIST OF MANDATORY DOCUMENTS FOR ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS:

1. C.A. Certificate (with bifurcation) (with proposed, existing and total investment figures)

2. Technical Details (proposed, existing and total details)

• Raw Material
• Product
• Water Consumption
• Wastewater Generation and Disposal
• Flue gas Emission
• Fuel Details
• Process gas Emission
• Hazardous Waste Generation and Disposal

3. Manufacturing Process (If any change) (Process description, Process flow diagram, Chemical reaction, Mass balance)

4. Water Balance Diagram (If any change)

5. Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) details (if any change) (ETP units with size/ capacity, description of ETP scheme, ETP flow diagram)

6. Membership of common facility (showing book quantity) for treated effluent disposal, if applicable (if any change)

7. EIA report, if the recommended investment is more than Rs. 250 Cr. (where E.C. does not apply to products/projects/ activities)

8. Details of land available for plantation/irrigation/gardening in case treated effluent suggested to be used for that purpose (if any change)

9. Valid lease permission from the related authority in case of quarry/mining project where mining is included (if any change)

10. Compliance related to reasons for rejection in case of re-consideration (RCN) of CTE

TYPE 3 - LIST OF MANDATORY DOCUMENTS FOR CHANGE IN PRODUCT MIX APPLICATION:

1. The specific format of information related to the details provided by the industry on the PARIVESH portal.

2. Copy of system-generated acknowledgement after uploading "No increase in pollution load" certificate by the industry on the "PARIVESH" portal for the suggested CTE, CCA Product mix application.

3. "No increase in pollution load" certificate

4. Copy of existing valid CCA and amendments

5. Copy of prior Environment Clearance (E.C.)

6. Undertaking for implementation and installation of an Online Continuous Monitoring System (OCMS) before the suggested change or increase with at least 95% uptime, connected to the servers of the GPCB and CPCB to report the quality and quantity of discharges and emissions. (Undertaking may also include regular calibration of OCMS and compliance with norms related to the OCMS being issued by CPCB/GPCB/MOEF&CC).

7. Efficacy and adequacy report of Environment Management System (EMS) for the suggested product item from a recognised Environment auditor (along with pollution load considering worst case scenario of the proposed product item) must be submitted. (Schedule I Environment Auditor report must be submitted in case of Schedule I, Red - Large and Red - Medium Industries. Report from Schedule II Environment Auditor must be submitted in case of rest of industries).

Note: Refer to circular/notification/O.M. issued by the competent authority for additional requirement/clarification.

LIST OF OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS:

1. List of Partners/Proprietor/Directors (if any change)
2. The undertaking of plot owner or zoning document, if the plot is outside the GIDC area and within the urban development area where the development plan is prepared by the authority (if any addition/change of plot).
3. In case of E.C. applicability, copy of ToR/E.C. (E.C. to CTE application).
4. Self-Declaration/Undertaking for non-applicability of any Environmental Act, if applicable.
5. If applicable, MSME certificate (Udhyog Aadhar)/Small Scale Industry (SSI)/Memorandum of Entrepreneurship Certificate.
6. NOC application copy or NOC of CGWA for withdrawing borewell water, if applicable. (If any change).
7. In the case of an Industrial Complex/Estate/Park/SEZ, a legal undertaking with clear identification of management to guarantee adherence to compliance throughout the life of such complex/estate concerning the particular conditions of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 (where ToR/E.C. obtained by Industrial Complex/Estate/Park/SEZ).
8. Treatability report for placing Environment Management System, if applicable.
9. Adequacy and efficacy of EMS for suggested capacity from the recognised auditor in case of Schedule I or II industries, as the case may be along with compliance report related to the existing products, in case of expansion.
10. An environment audit report of the previous year with compliance with the auditor's recommendation (if applicable) in case of expansion.
11. The industry must upload scanned copies of documents on XGN in pdf format.
12. Technical and other details needed to be filled in on the XGN system related to the master technical data and other pages.
13. In the case of E.C. to CTE (as an amendment application), submit documents and details according to the checklist of the CTE - Amendment.

Frequently Asked Questions