Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 25, 2025
The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has given more time to industrial units that started operating without getting pollution clearance in advance. These units can now apply directly for Consent to Operate (CTO) without first taking Consent to Establish (CTE), but only till 31st October 2025.
According to pollution control laws in India—such as the Water Act (1974), Air Act (1981), and Environment Protection Act (1986)—industries must take CTE before setting up and CTO before starting operations. These permissions are mandatory to ensure industries do not harm the environment.
The ANPCC found that many industrial units in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have started working without getting the required approvals. Even though a special chance was given earlier to regularize such cases, the committee continues to receive CTO applications from units that never got CTE. That’s why the deadline has now been extended.
However, the CTO will only be given if the industry follows all pollution control rules. The ANPCC made it clear that no applications will be accepted after 31st October 2025 from units that skipped getting CTE before starting.
All industry owners and entrepreneurs are advised to follow the rules. Both CTE and CTO applications must be submitted online at www.anocmms.nic.in.
The committee warned that anyone who fails to follow these rules within the extended time will face strict action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
