Pollution-impact based categories for Goa industries mooted

Industries in Goa will be categorised into red, orange and green classes according to their pollution impacts. The Goa Pollution Control Board has drafted a proposal for differential categorisation for industries and hotels in the state. The term of validity is also proposed to be changed with concents for industries in the red category valid for 2 years while small scale industries in the green category will have consents valid for 15 years.

With the categorisation, Board officials say they will have more time to concentrate on the high-impact industries and more frequent checks will be possible. On the other hand, small-scale industries with low impact will not need to approach the Board every year as in the current process.

The Board, in consultation with industrial associations, is set to finalize the list of industries generating hazardous waste in the state by September 30. The categorization survey was taken up by the Board based on Supreme Court directives.