The environmental regulatory agency responsible for overseeing cleanup requirements for an industrial site depends on the jurisdiction, land use classification, and nature of contamination. In India, environmental oversight is structured across central, state, and local authorities, each playing a role in monitoring, approving, and enforcing cleanup actions. Below are the key agencies and their respective responsibilities:
1. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- The primary national-level authority for setting environmental quality standards and cleanup guidelines.
- Issues technical manuals and protocols for contaminated site remediation.
- Provides advisory support to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) on hazardous waste, soil, and water remediation.
- Oversees site assessments and pilot cleanup projects under national remediation programs.
- Regulates nationally significant brownfield sites, especially those with widespread impact.
2. State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
- The main implementation authority for monitoring site-specific cleanup and issuing environmental clearances.
- Reviews and approves remediation plans, EIA reports, and consent applications.
- Conducts site inspections, verifies contaminant levels, and enforces compliance with CPCB standards.
- Issues the “Consent to Establish” and “Consent to Operate” for industrial activities post-remediation.
- Holds enforcement power for non-compliance, including stop-work notices or fines.
3. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
- The policy-making and oversight body for national environmental governance.
- Required for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals on large or sensitive projects.
- May directly intervene in high-risk or nationally listed contaminated sites.
- Sets guidelines for project proponents and state agencies on site cleanup, monitoring, and reuse compliance.
- Oversees national programs like the National Remediation Framework (for legacy contaminated sites).
4. District Environmental Committees or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
- Play a supportive role in local enforcement and data collection.
- Assist SPCBs in site surveys, documentation, and monitoring of redevelopment post-cleanup.
- Approve zoning-related land use changes in coordination with town planning departments.
- May initiate land auctions, site redevelopment, or transfer approvals for cleaned-up land.
5. Specialized Nodal Agencies (Where Applicable)
- Industrial Development Authorities (e.g., GIDC, TIDCO, MIDC) may coordinate cleanup in designated zones.
- Hazardous Waste Management Boards may be involved in the disposal oversight of excavated materials.
- Sites near coastal areas, wetlands, or eco-sensitive zones may involve oversight by Coastal Zone Management Authorities or Forest Departments.
