According to Prakash, the measures included modifications in the compliance report to be submitted at the time of obtaining the `operate and renewal consents' and prosecution of the applicants in case of non-compliance with the norms.

Constituted in 1993, the PCC, which was entrusted with the task of improving the environment, started functioning with a skeleton staff comprising two junior technicians and ministerial staff.

Even though the UTs witnessed rapid industrial development since 1994, due to `tax holiday' and other investment incentives offered by the government, the strength of the PCC staff remained the same and efforts to create new posts and fill them met with no success and resulted in excessive load on the existing staff, Prakash said.

The efficacy and functioning of the PCC had come under scrutiny from various quarters, he said, adding that while the skeleton staff was required to scrutinise and process all the information furnished in the applications before issuing the consent, even judicious delays led to aspersions being cast on the staff.

Considering these factors, the PCC had now decided to bring about certain changes in its structure and functioning. According to the statement, the sale of prescribed application forms under Water and Air Act, would be sold in the PCC office between 11 am and 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm.

While industries, which do not have any valid consent, would be given a chance to apply for regularisation, they would be recategorised into white, green, orange and red classes to facilitate efficient and transparent consent management.

To regulate and monitor polluting industries, the PCC had also created a number of scientific and technical posts and efforts were on to fill them at the earliest.