GPCB Simplifies Approvals for Eligible CBG, Bio-CNG Plants

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has simplified regulatory procedures for eligible compressed biogas (CBG) and Bio-CNG plants in the state by issuing a common notification clarifying their exemption from consent requirements. The move follows the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) revised classification of eligible units under the White Category.

Under the revised CPCB classification, eligible CBG and Bio-CNG plants that use specified feedstock and comply with prescribed conditions have been placed in the White Category. These units are exempt from obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board.

To ensure uniform implementation of the exemption across Gujarat, the GPCB issued a general notification on October 28, 2026. The notification clarifies the applicable provisions and eliminates the need for individual units to approach the board for separate clarification or exemption certificates.

Earlier, on October 23, 2026, the GPCB had issued a circular publishing a revised list of 768 industrial activities and products classified under the White Category in accordance with the CPCB’s updated classification. Eligible CBG plants, subject to specified feedstock requirements and other conditions, have been included at serial numbers 763 and 768.

The latest notification establishes a common framework for implementing the exemption across all eligible units in Gujarat, removing the need for separate correspondence and certificates for individual projects.

The initiative is expected to reduce unnecessary paperwork, minimise procedural delays and expedite the processing of applications for government schemes, registrations, approvals and other benefits.

Environmental compliance remains mandatory

The exemption from obtaining CTE and CTO does not relieve eligible units of their environmental responsibilities or obligations under applicable laws.

Under the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on November 12, 2024, bearing number G.S.R. 703(E), eligible White Category units are required to notify the State Pollution Control Board in the prescribed manner and submit a self-declaration confirming compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

The GPCB noted that applicants setting up CBG and Bio-CNG projects had, in some cases, been asked to furnish CTE, CTO or a separate no-objection certificate (NOC) during registration on the GOBARDHAN Unified Registration Portal and while applying for other permissions, registrations and government financial assistance.

Addressing this issue, the GPCB’s general notification clarifies that government departments, registration authorities and other agencies do not need to insist on separate CTE, CTO or NOC documents issued by the GPCB for eligible CBG and Bio-CNG plants classified under the White Category.

Instead, subject to applicable legal provisions and prescribed procedures, the concerned authorities can process applications further on the basis of the required intimation submitted to the GPCB.

The initiative, undertaken under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State Pravin Mali, reflects the state government’s efforts to simplify industrial procedures while maintaining environmental safeguards.

The move is also expected to support Gujarat’s efforts to promote clean energy, encourage the conversion of waste into useful resources and advance sustainable development.

The revised White Category list and the relevant notification are available on the GPCB’s official website, gpcb.gujarat.gov.in. DeshGujarat