"Are you planning to start a factory, expand your plant, or install machinery in India?
Then two
approvals from the Pollution Control Board are a must – CTE and CTO. In this video, I’ll explain
what they are, why they matter, and how you can get them smoothly."
"CTE stands for Consent to Establish. It is the first environmental clearance required before you begin
construction or install machinery for any project that could cause pollution."
📜 Issued under:
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
🛠 Required When:
Starting a new industrial unit
Expanding or modernizing an existing plant
Setting up a waste treatment or recycling facility
"Here’s what you need to apply for CTE:"
1. Application form via the State Pollution Control Board portal
2. Detailed project report (process, raw materials, emissions)
3. Site plan and layout
4. Land ownership or lease proof
5. Environmental Management Plan
6. MoA/AoA or Partnership deed
7. Authorization under Hazardous Waste Rules (if applicable)
8. Water balance and treatment plan
9. Fee payment receipt
🕒 Validity: Usually 1 to 3 years. Can be extended during construction phase.
What is CTO Consent to Operate"
"Once your plant is ready and construction is complete as per CTE, the next step is Consent to
Operate, or CTO. This license allows you to start commercial operations."
Documents for CTO]
"To apply for CTO, you’ll need the following:"
1. Copy of your valid CTE
2. Layout plan with pollution control equipment
3. Product details and production capacity
4. Details of pollution control devices
5. Emission and effluent test reports
6. Hazardous waste management plan
7. Factory license (if applicable)
8. Recent water & electricity bills
9. Compliance report of CTE
10. Fee receipt
🗓 Validity:
Red Category: 5 years
Orange Category: 10 years
Green Category: 15 years
"Industries are categorized based on pollution level."
🔴 Red: High pollution – chemical, metallurgy, textile dyeing
🟠 Orange: Moderate – food processing, plastics
🟢 Green: Low pollution – garment stitching, simple assembly
How to Apply]
"Here’s how to apply for CTE and CTO online:"
1. Register on your State Pollution Control Board portal
2. Fill out the online application
3. Upload all required documents
4. Pay the application fee
5. Wait for the inspection
6. Get your license upon approval
"Don’t forget these important tips:"
✅ Keep your Environmental Management documents updated
✅ Apply for renewals before expiry
🚫 Non-compliance can lead to penalties, closure notices, or license cancellation
"If you need assistance with CTE or CTO licenses, reach out to Global Solution and Compliance Pvt.
Ltd. We help industries across India with end-to-end environmental compliance. Hit like, share, and
don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on industry regulations!"