The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on November 24, 2025, issued clarification regarding classification of 'disposal site for disposal of dredged material' from 'desilting/ dredging of dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, river & canals for the purpose of their maintenance, upkeep & disaster management'.
The Central Pollution Control Board issued directions to harmonize the classification of industrial sectors under Red, Orange, Green, White, and Blue categories, which were circulated for adoption by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. A committee constituted by the Board reviewed remaining unclassified sectors and provided recommendations for clarification.
Based on these recommendations, disposal sites for dredged material arising from desilting or dredging of dams, reservoirs, barrages, rivers, and canals—when undertaken by government departments for maintenance, upkeep, or disaster management—are not considered commercial or industrial activities and therefore do not require consent or NOC under industrial categorization rules. However, such activities must still comply with applicable environmental safeguards and guidelines issued by relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change and CPCB.
[Notification No. SEE(HQ-2/F.no.10/2025/38897-915]
