Rationalizing the requirement of greenbelt development /green cover for Industrial Estates/Parks and individual industries based on pollution potential – reg.
Green belt guidelines for industries issued by MoEFCC explain updated green belt norms, pollution-based requirements, and compliance rules.
In recent years, environmental concerns have grown significantly, especially regarding the impact of industrial activities on our ecosystems. One of the most important ways industries contribute to environmental sustainability is by developing green belts—areas filled with vegetation that act as buffers between industrial activities and the surrounding environment. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a series of guidelines to streamline the green belt requirements for industries, based on their pollution potential.
This post will break down the latest changes and explain what they mean for industrial estates, parks, and individual industries.
#### Understanding Greenbelts development in Industrial Estates and Parks
A green belt serves multiple purposes: it reduces pollution, improves air quality, and enhances biodiversity. The green belt requirement is not new, but with the increasing concerns about pollution and environmental management, the MoEFCC has recently revised the criteria. These revisions, explained in an office memorandum dated 29th October 2025, provide more clarity on how industries should approach the development of green belts, depending on their pollution levels.
### Key Changes in the Green Belt Guidelines for Industries in India
#### 1. **Revised Greenbelt Development Norms for Industrial Estates/Parks**
The Ministry has laid down specific guidelines for developing green belts in **new greenfield industrial estates** (i.e., those built from scratch). Here are the main points:
* **10% Green Area Requirement**: At least 10% of the total area of an industrial estate must be designated as a **common green area** with dense plantation. This should include around **2,500 trees per hectare**. The trees should be planted in such a way that it forms a continuous green cover across the industrial estate.
* **Industry-Specific Green Belt Requirements**: Industrial units within the estate will have different green belt requirements depending on their pollution potential. For example:
* **Red Category Industries (High Pollution)**: 15% of the area must be designated for green belts.
* **Orange Category Industries (Moderate Pollution)**: 10% green belt requirement.
* **Green Category Industries (Low Pollution)**: No mandatory requirement for green belts.
* **White Category Industries (No Pollution)**: No green belt requirement.
This allocation allows each individual industry within the estate to meet the overall green belt goal by maintaining a certain percentage of their land area for vegetation.
#### 2. **Greenbelt Development for Individual Industrial Units Outside Estates**
For industries that are **not part of industrial estates**, the green belt criteria depend on the **pollution potential of the industry**:
* **Red Category (Air Polluting Industries)**:
* Industries with a **Pollution Index of 80 or above** must maintain at least **25% green belt**.
* **Orange Category (Moderate Pollution)**:
* Industries with a **Pollution Index of 55 or above** need **20% green cover**.
* **Green Category (Low Pollution)**: 10% green belt requirement, but the development of green belts is **optional** for industries with a Pollution Index below 25.
* **White Category (No Pollution)**: No green belt requirement.
#### 3. **Green Belt in Critically Polluted and Severely Polluted Areas**
Industries located in **Critically Polluted Areas (CPA)** and **Severely Polluted Areas (SPA)** have stricter requirements. A minimum of **40% green belt** must be developed for **Red and Orange Category** industries in such regions. This is in line with the Environmental Management Mechanism for these areas, in response to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order.
### How Should Industries Approach Green Belt Development?
#### 1. **Location and Species Selection**
The Ministry encourages industries to plant **native and pollution-tolerant species** that can effectively absorb dust, gases, and noise. The green belts should ideally be placed **close to pollution sources**, helping to intercept pollutants before they disperse into the environment.
#### 2. **Multi-Tier Plantation Model**
A multi-tier system should be adopted, meaning the green belt should have **tall trees**, **medium-height shrubs**, and **ground cover** plants. This design maximizes the green belt’s ability to filter air and support biodiversity.
#### 3. **Sustainability Measures**
Proper care should be taken to ensure that the plants thrive. This includes:
* **Soil management**: Adding organic matter to soil for better growth.
* **Watering systems**: Ensuring the plants receive adequate water, especially in dry seasons.
* **Regular maintenance**: Pruning, replanting, and pest control are crucial to maintaining the density and effectiveness of green belts.
#### 4. **Monitoring and Reporting**
Industries are required to **submit regular reports** about the status of their green belts. These reports will include details such as:
* The number of trees planted
* Tree species
* Survival rate of the plants
* Overall canopy coverage
Additionally, the Ministry has set up a **monitoring mechanism** to verify these reports and ensure compliance with the guidelines.
### Additional Opportunities for Green Belt Development
Industries can also collaborate with local authorities, such as **State Forest Departments** or **Urban Local Bodies**, to participate in **ex-situ plantation programs**. These programs allow industries to plant trees outside their premises in areas like city parks or forests, contributing to a larger environmental cause. Furthermore, schemes like **Compensatory Afforestation** provide opportunities to offset deforestation by planting more trees in other regions.
### Conclusion
The latest revisions in the green belt requirements aim to balance industrial growth with environmental protection. By rationalizing the criteria based on the pollution potential of industries, the MoEFCC hopes to ensure that green belts are developed in a way that directly addresses the environmental impacts of specific sectors. These measures also give industries a clear framework to follow, ensuring that their green initiatives are both effective and sustainable.
Adhering to these guidelines is not just a regulatory requirement but an opportunity for industries to contribute positively to the environment. A well-developed green belt can provide a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem while helping industries improve their environmental credentials.
If you’re involved in setting up or managing an industrial estate or unit, now is the time to review these new requirements and plan your green belt strategy accordingly. The benefits of doing so are not just legal compliance but also long-term environmental health and sustainability.