The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has decided to withdraw its previous classification of the coir industry under the ‘Orange’ category. This move comes following numerous representations from coir manufacturers and associations. The reclassification occurred in November 2021, shifting the industry from the ‘White’ category (no pollution) to ‘Orange’ (moderate pollution), subjecting it to regulations and periodic monitoring by the TNPCB.
As per Central Pollution Control Board norms, industries are categorized into red (high pollution), orange (moderate pollution), green (low pollution), and white (no pollution). With this recent decision, the coconut husk retting, de-fibering, and pith processing industry in Tamil Nadu will remain in the ‘White’ category, relieving coir manufacturers from additional regulatory constraints.