Industrial units in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that were set up without obtaining pollution clearances have been given a final window to regularize their operations. The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has extended the deadline for applying for Consent to Operate until October 31, 2025, allowing units to bypass the requirement of prior Consent to Establish but still mandating compliance with environmental norms.
The decision was taken during the 34th meeting of the committee held earlier this year, after officials observed that several industries were running without proper authorization. Under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, no industry is permitted to operate without obtaining the necessary consents from the state board. These provisions are reinforced by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which makes compliance with environmental safeguards mandatory.
Despite previous compliance windows, applications continued to be received from units that had already started functioning without securing Consent to Establish. In view of this, the ANPCC decided to offer one final extension, permitting such units to apply directly for Consent to Operate up to the end of October. Officials clarified that approvals will only be granted if the applying industries meet all applicable environmental standards.
The committee emphasized that this is a limited opportunity and that no applications from non-compliant units will be entertained after the deadline. Entrepreneurs and industrial stakeholders were reminded that obtaining Consent to Establish before setting up a unit is a statutory requirement and that any future violations will invite strict enforcement action under the Environment (Protection) Act.
For industrial operators in the islands, the decision carries significant implications. Regularization through Consent to Operate is necessary not only to continue functioning legally but also to avoid penalties and possible closure orders. The extension provides breathing space for units that may have overlooked statutory obligations but are willing to align with environmental requirements.
The move also reflects the committee’s attempt to balance enforcement with compliance. By allowing units to apply directly for operational consent, ANPCC seeks to bring a larger number of industries under regulatory oversight. At the same time, it sends a clear message that the practice of starting operations without prior approvals will not be tolerated indefinitely.
The islands’ fragile ecosystem adds urgency to these measures. Industrial activity, even on a small scale, can have disproportionate effects on limited land, water and air resources. Ensuring that units conform to pollution control norms is critical to safeguarding biodiversity and preventing degradation. Authorities have long cautioned that unchecked operations risk contaminating groundwater, damaging coastal areas and affecting local livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism.
By insisting on online submission of applications through the official portal, the committee is also streamlining compliance procedures. This digital process is expected to reduce delays, enhance transparency and allow for better monitoring of industrial units across the territory. Entrepreneurs have been urged to use the portal www.anocmms.nic.in to submit their applications within the stipulated period.
The ANPCC’s decision also serves as a warning to future investors and entrepreneurs. While the current extension allows for a degree of leniency, strict action has been promised against those who fail to comply by the end of October. Such enforcement may include penalties, closure notices or prosecution under environmental laws.
For the islands, where economic development must be balanced with environmental conservation, the committee’s action illustrates the challenges of managing growth in sensitive regions. The extension is an opportunity for industries to align with legal frameworks, but it also reaffirms the administration’s intent to protect fragile ecosystems from unregulated expansion.
As the deadline approaches, compliance levels will indicate how seriously industries take environmental responsibilities. The coming weeks will show whether units use this window to regularize their status or risk punitive action once the extension expires.
