Archive · 24 Jan 2026
MPCB Proposes Blue Category Expansion for Circular Economy
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has sent a proposal to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to expand the Blue Category of industries.
This category includes businesses that provide essential environmental services.
The MPCB wants to add eight more types of services to this category, such as plastic waste recycling and e-waste management.
The goal is to boost the circular economy, make it easier for businesses to operate, and attract more investment in Maharashtra.
The Blue Category was introduced to help industries start operations quickly with less paperwork.
The MPCB also proposed that businesses in this category get an extra two years of consent validity.
This initiative is led by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and supported by a study conducted by Member Secretary M. Devender Singh.
MPCB proposes expanding the Blue Category to include eight additional essential environmental services.
The Blue Category covers industries providing essential environmental facilities and services.
New services proposed include plastic waste recycling, PET bottle recycling, e-waste dismantling, and sanitary e-waste management.
Establishments in the Blue Category will be eligible for an additional two-year extension of consent validity.
The initiative is driven by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and supported by a strategic study.
- Who
- Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
- What
- Proposed expansion of Blue Category industries to include eight additional essential environmental services
- When
- Proposal sent to CPCB, with the initiative driven under current leadership
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To promote circular economy, strengthen ease of doing business, and attract investment while ensuring environmental compliance
- Proposal By
- Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
- Proposal To
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Objective
- Promote circular economy, ease of doing business, and attract investment
- New Services Proposed
- Plastic waste recycling, PET bottle recycling, e-waste dismantling, sanitary e-waste management, among others
- Consent Validity Extension
- Additional two-year extension beyond original period
- Leadership
- Driven by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam and Member Secretary M. Devender Singh