Understanding the CPCB GR & NGT Order on Environmental Display Boards

For industries across India, especially those handling potentially hazardous materials, understanding the **CPCB GR (Central Pollution Control Board Government Resolution)** and the related **NGT Order (National Green Tribunal)** is crucial. These regulations establish the **environmental compliance mandate** for installing real-time digital display boards.

This page breaks down the key aspects of these guidelines to help you ensure your facility meets all requirements.

Key Authorities Behind the Mandate

The requirement stems from high-level directives aimed at increasing environmental transparency and accountability:

• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The primary body setting standards and guidelines, acting under the Ministry of Environment.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): A specialized judicial body established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection. The core directive comes from **NGT Order – OA No. 804/2017**.
• Hon’ble Supreme Court of India: The NGT order often refers back to landmark environmental cases like **WP(C) No. 657/1995**.

These bodies work with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) like **MPCB, GPCB, UPPCB**, etc., for enforcement.

What Does the CPCB GR Mandate? Key Requirements

The CPCB GR outlines specific **display board rules for industries**:

• Mandatory Installation: Factories handling hazardous chemicals/waste *must* install a **digital display board** at their main gate.
• Real-Time Data: The board must show live or frequently updated (daily) environmental data. This includes **air emission display**, **effluent display board** data, and details on **hazardous waste display rules**.
• Visibility: It must be clearly visible to the public and regulatory officers. This implies the need for **outdoor environmental display** solutions.
• Regular Updates: Data accuracy is paramount, requiring linkage to **OCEMS** or reliable manual updates.

CPCB Display Board Format (Annexure-I)

The CPCB provides a specific **display board format (Annexure-I)** to ensure uniformity and clarity. Key sections include:

Inspection & Non-Compliance (Format-I)

The CPCB also defines an **Inspection Format (Format-I)** for its officers. Understanding this helps industries prepare:

• Inspectors *must* verify the installation, working condition, and update status of the board during every visit.
• Photographic evidence is required.
• **Non-compliance** can lead to immediate **Show-Cause Notices** or even **Closure Notices** issued by the respective SPCB.
• Failure by inspecting officers to report non-compliance can lead to departmental action against them, highlighting the seriousness of the mandate.

Download Official CPCB GR & NGT Order Documents

Access the official documents to understand the full details of the **CPCB guidelines display board** mandate: