(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Oct 30 (KNN) The Union Environment Ministry has eased the mandatory green cover requirement for industrial estates, reducing it from 33% to 10%, while introducing category-wise rules for individual industries based on their pollution levels.

Officials said the change aims to balance land use efficiency with environmental protection.

Under the new guidelines, industrial estates must now set aside at least 10% of their total area for common green zones, with dense plantations of around 2,500 trees per hectare.

These green areas can be created either in one location or spread across multiple clearly marked sections within the estate.

In addition to the common area, industries within the estates will have separate requirements depending on their pollution classification.

Red category industries-considered the most polluting-must maintain 15% green cover within their premises, while orange category units need 10%.

Green and white category industries, which have minimal or no pollution, are exempt from any mandatory green belt requirement.

The revised norms replace the 2020 rule that required a uniform 33% green cover across all industrial parks, Special Economic Zones, and other complexes. Industry groups had argued that the old rule was impractical and made land acquisition costly, especially for low-polluting sectors.

Officials said the new approach is meant to“rationalise” environmental norms and promote ease of doing business, particularly as India seeks to strengthen its manufacturing base.

However, environmental experts have cautioned that reducing green buffers could worsen air quality in industrial areas already facing severe pollution levels.

A green belt serves as a natural barrier, absorbing pollutants and protecting nearby communities. Critics warn that cutting green cover may undermine environmental safeguards at a time when India is striving to improve its air quality.

(KNN Bureau)

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