Procedure for Self-Declaration in Case of Permanent Closure (Exit) of Industrial Units

Anamika Rathore

Anamika Rathore

Published on: Apr 21, 2026

Shatakshi Sharma

Updated on: Apr 21, 2026

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Introduction

To establish a procedure for Industrial Units seeking surrender of Consent due to permanent closure, maintaining conformity with the environmental laws upheld by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board.

Scope

Industrial units which intend to permanently cease operations and surrender their Consent to Establish (CTE) and/or Consent to Operate (CTO/CCA) under applicable environmental laws.

APPLICABLE PROVISIONS

• Section 27 of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
• Section 21 of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
• Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Procedure

1. Permanent Closure of Operations
   • The unit shall ensure complete shutdown of all industrial activities
   • No manufacturing or polluting activity shall continue at the premises
   • Future restart is only permitted after obtaining fresh consent from GPCB.
2. Decommissioning of Plant & Machinery
   • Machinery and equipment shall be:
     • Dismantled, or
     • Rendered permanently non-operational
   • Ensure the unit cannot resume operations without reinstallation.
3. Environmental Clearance of Site
   • Confirm that:
     • No hazardous waste, effluent, or solid waste remains on the site
     • No illegal disposal or storage exists
   • Site shall comply with environmental safety norms
4. Clearance of Financial Liabilities
   • Verify and clear all dues, including:
     • Consent fees
     • Environmental compensation
     • Bank guarantees
   • Ensure no outstanding payments to GPCB
   • All dues must be cleared prior to submission of the surrender application
   • In case the validity of CTE and/or CCA has expired, applicable late fees equivalent to the prescribed consent application late fees shall be paid
5. Submission of Self-Declaration
   • Submit a signed declaration stating:
     • Permanent closure status
     • Compliance with all environmental and legal requirements
     • Accuracy and completeness of provided information
   • Submit clear evidence through photographs that all plant and machinery have been dismantled or removed.
6. Undertaking of Liability
   The unit shall:
   • Accept full responsibility for any future claims, disputes, or liabilities
   • Agree not to hold GPCB responsible for any consequences of closure
7. Restriction on Restart
   Any future industrial activity:
   • Requires fresh approval from GPCB
   • Unauthorized restart will result in legal action
8. Future Compliance & Accountability
   If any:
   • Misrepresentation
   • Concealed facts
   • Environmental damage

   is discovered later, GPCB may initiate legal action

9. Declaration of Validity & Legal Consequences
   False or misleading declarations will lead to:
   • Legal action under environmental laws
   • Revocation of surrender
   • Penalties or environmental compensation
10. Non-Refund of Fees
    Any fees paid to GPCB:
    • Will not be refunded or adjusted
    • Cannot be claimed after surrender

Conclusion

This procedure ensures that industrial closure is carried out responsibly, transparently, and in compliance with environmental regulations, while safeguarding public health and the environment.