The Union Environment Ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Monday about its decision to rationalize the mandatory green belt area for new industrial estates from a uniform 33% to a minimum of 10% of the estate area. This revised framework under the Environmental Clearance mechanism introduces differentiated norms based on an industry’s pollution potential.
Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, provided the explanation in response to queries from MPs Dileshwar Kamait (JD(U)) and PC Mohan (BJP).
⚖️ Rationale Behind the Change
The Minister cited the need to “strike a balance” between the requirement of land for industrial projects and the environmental needs of the green belt. The key justification is:
“There was a need to strike a balance between the requirement of land for the Projects/Activities and the environmental needs of the green belt along with the existing pollution control and abatement measures prescribed… so as to optimize the use of available land.”
The rationalization was based on the recommendations of a Committee that examined various international norms for developing green cover.
🏭 The Revised Differentiated Norms
The core of the revised policy, implemented via an Office Memorandum on October 29, is to link the green belt requirement directly to an industry’s pollution potential:
| Category | Pollution Potential | Requirement within Premises (Individual Units in an Estate) | Common Area Requirement (Industrial Estate/Park) |
| Red Category | Highest Polluting | 15% of the premises area | Minimum 10% of the total estate area |
| Orange Category | Moderately Polluting | 10% of the premises area | |
| Green & White Category | Marginally/Non-Polluting | Optional (No mandatory requirement) |
The Minister noted that this revised system provides the benefit of additional land area to industries for expansion without compromising environmental needs, as industries with higher pollution potential are required to develop a larger green belt percentage.
📋 Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure compliance with the revised norms and promote sustainable growth, the central government has established a strict monitoring mechanism:
- Industrial Estates: Must submit a half-yearly green belt status report to the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB)/Pollution Control Committees (PCC) and the Integrated Regional Office (IRO) of MoEFCC.
- Report Details: The reports must include details on canopy coverage, number of living trees, height and species, survival rate, and must be accompanied by drone imagery.
- Individual Units: Also required to submit half-yearly reports on their green belt areas.