January 28, 2026 : The Union government has amended the Uniform Consent Guidelines under the Air and Water Acts to simplify approval procedures, cut delays, and strengthen environmental compliance. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the changes are aimed at improving environmental governance while making regulatory processes faster and more transparent.

According to the ministry, the revised guidelines will ensure clearer and more efficient consent mechanisms without weakening environmental safeguards. The amendments are expected to help State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees process consent applications more smoothly and carry out inspections in a more structured manner.

A key change allows states and Union territories to introduce a one-time Consent to Operate fee for periods ranging from five to twenty-five years. This move is intended to reduce repetitive fee collection and ease the administrative burden on both regulators and industries.

The amended guidelines also include special provisions for Micro and Small Enterprises located in notified industrial estates or designated areas. These measures are expected to support ease of doing business while ensuring continued adherence to environmental norms.