New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- The Union government has amended the Uniform Consent Guidelines under the air pollution and water pollution laws to make it easier and faster for industries to get environmental approvals across states and Union territories. The changes are aimed at reducing procedural delays while ensuring strong environmental oversight and protection.

One of the major changes is the introduction of a single, combined approval system. Under this, State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) can grant permissions for air, water, and waste management laws through a single application, instead of requiring industries to apply separately under different rules.

The guidelines issued last year under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollutio...