State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
The primary agency regulating environmental use in the area is the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)—for example, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) in Tamil Nadu. The SPCB is responsible for:
- Granting Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Water and Air Acts
- Monitoring emissions, effluents, and compliance with Hazardous Waste Management Rules
- Enforcing conditions laid out in Environmental Clearance (EC)
- Conducting regular site inspections and issuing directives for pollution control
Industrial projects must obtain NOCs and comply with SPCB guidelines throughout construction and operations.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
The MoEFCC, under the Government of India, provides national oversight for environmental regulation. It is responsible for:
- Reviewing and approving Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for Category A projects
- Defining rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Coordinating with State Environmental Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs)
- Setting nationwide standards for air, water, and soil quality
The MoEFCC operates through its regional offices and EACs (Expert Appraisal Committees) for technical assessments and policy enforcement.
Local Planning and Development Authorities
Local urban planning departments and industrial development agencies also play a regulatory role in environmental aspects. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that site development aligns with zoning and land use regulations
- Mandating green buffer zones, rainwater harvesting, and stormwater drainage systems
- Reviewing environmental compliance as part of layout plan approvals
- Coordinating with pollution control boards and municipal bodies for integrated infrastructure planning
These agencies ensure that environmental sustainability is embedded in regional development through master planning and enforcement of environmental covenants.