The Government has amended Uniform Consent Guidelines under Air and Water Acts to streamline approvals, reduce delays and strengthen environmental compliance. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that the move is aimed at reducing procedural delays and strengthening environmental governance. It added that the amendments ensure faster, clearer and more efficient approval processes while maintaining environmental safeguards.

These amendments also support the State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees in processing consent applications and conducting inspections. Furthermore, the amendments also allow States and Union territories to prescribe a one-time Consent to Operate fee for a period ranging from 5 to 25 years, reducing repetitive fee collection and administrative processing. Meanwhile, special provisions have been introduced for Micro and Small Enterprises located in notified industrial estates or areas.