The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC), under the Department of Science and Technology, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, conducted a sensitization-cum-awareness programme on the process of obtaining Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) as mandated under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The event aimed to help local industries understand environmental compliance requirements critical for pollution control and sustainable operations in the islands.
The session took place at the Branch Development and Facilitation Office of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), located in the Dollygunj Industrial Estate. Organized in collaboration with Laghu Udyog Bharati, Andaman and Nicobar Chapter, and the MSME Branch at Sri Vijaya Puram, the programme saw participation from around 30 industry stakeholders representing various sectors.
The event was designed to demystify the procedures related to CTE and CTO, which are mandatory for establishing and operating any industrial or commercial facility that may impact water or air quality. The ANPCC’s technical team emphasized that compliance is not merely a legal formality but an essential step to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
B. Raj Babu, Technician at ANPCC, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the Consent Management System, explaining the stages involved in obtaining the necessary permissions. He elaborated on how industries must apply for Consent to Establish before starting construction or setup and later for Consent to Operate before commencing operations. The presentation highlighted that timely submission and adherence to prescribed norms help industries avoid penalties and ensure smooth functioning under environmental law.
The participants were informed about the online and offline processes available through ANPCC for consent applications, the documentation required, and the need for periodic renewal. The official also underscored how pollution control measures are monitored to minimize industrial discharge and maintain ecological balance in the islands, where sensitive marine and terrestrial habitats make environmental oversight critical.
From the industry side, Sitaram Sharma, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati, Andaman and Nicobar Chapter, and Abhijit Agarwal, its Secretary, addressed the gathering. They urged all local entrepreneurs and industrial stakeholders to proactively apply for the required consents from ANPCC. They emphasized that maintaining compliance is not only about avoiding regulatory action but also about contributing to a cleaner and greener island environment.
The programme reflected the growing focus on eco-compliance among small and medium enterprises operating in the islands. By involving MSME representatives and local trade bodies, ANPCC aimed to strengthen awareness and cooperation between regulatory institutions and business operators. Participants expressed appreciation for the clarifications provided on procedural bottlenecks and the emphasis on sustainable practices.
Through such initiatives, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration continues its push toward fostering environmental accountability among industries. The event at Dollygunj reinforced the idea that environmental responsibility and business development can progress together, ensuring that industrial growth remains compatible with the region’s ecological priorities.
The awareness drive concluded with a call for continued engagement between regulatory bodies, business associations, and entrepreneurs to uphold pollution control standards and promote environmentally responsible growth across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
