Pollution NOC in Uttar Pradesh (UP) – UPPCB 2026 Guide

If you are planning to start a manufacturing unit, factory, trading operation, warehouse, packaging unit, or any commercial activity that may generate waste or emissions in Uttar Pradesh, you must obtain a Pollution NOC from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB). Without this NOC, businesses cannot legally operate, and banks, government departments, and industrial authorities (like UPSIDA, NOIDA, GNIDA, YEIDA) will not clear your applications.

This guide explains everything you need for Pollution NOC in UP, including UPPCB full form, categories, documents, fees, processing time, and a simplified process for 2025.

What is UPPCB?

UPPCB full form: Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
It is the state-level authority responsible for regulating pollution, issuing NOCs, monitoring industries, and ensuring compliance under the Water Act, Air Act, and Environment Protection Act.

UPPCB has offices in Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Meerut, and all other districts.

If anyone searches for UPPCB Lucknow, it usually refers to the head office, where technical and administrative approvals are processed.

What is a Pollution NOC in UP?

A Pollution NOC is an approval issued by UPPCB that allows your business to establish and operate a unit in Uttar Pradesh while meeting pollution norms. It is mandatory for almost all units except a few low-risk activities.

A Pollution NOC includes:

• Consent to Establish (CTE) – before construction or installation of machinery

• Consent to Operate (CTO) – after the unit becomes operational

Types of Pollution NOC Categories in Uttar Pradesh

Additional Important Points 

Quick Comparison

Simple Summary

• White → No pollution → Just inform
• Green → Low pollution → Basic approval
• Orange → Medium pollution → Needs control systems
• Red → High pollution → Strict rules + heavy monitoring

Who Needs Pollution NOC in UP?

Any business engaged in:

→ Manufacturing

→ Processing

→ Assembling

→ Trading of hazardous items

→ Chemical handling

→ Food processing

→ Cold storage

→ Plastic-related activities

→ Hospitals and labs

→ Hotels and restaurants

→ Warehouses

→ Automobile workshops

→ Construction projects
Note : If your business involves water usage, emissions, machinery, or waste generation, you need Pollution NOC in UP.

Documents Required for Pollution NOC in Uttar Pradesh

Your documents vary depending on your category (Green/Orange/Red), but the general checklist for UPPCB NOC is as follows:

● Business & Ownership Documents

‣ Aadhaar and PAN of the applicant

‣ Company PAN

‣ GST certificate

‣ Partnership deed / MOA / AOA

‣ Board resolution (for Pvt Ltd / LLP)

● Land & Property Documents

‣ Rent agreement or lease deed

‣ Property tax receipt

‣ Land ownership papers

‣ Site plan / Building layout

‣ Google map showing location

● Project & Unit Details

‣ List of machinery

‣ Installed capacity

‣ Manufacturing process flow

‣ Raw materials list

‣ Finished products list

‣ Water consumption details

‣ Manpower details

● Pollution Control Measures

‣ Air pollution control devices (if any)

‣ Noise control methods

‣ Water pollution management plan

‣ Solid and hazardous waste disposal plan

● Mandatory Attachments (UPPCB Specific)

‣ Undertaking as per UPPCB guidelines

‣ Authorization for filing application

‣ Photographs of site and unit

‣ DG set details (if installed)

Fees for Pollution NOC in UP (2026)

Fees depend on the category, size of the business, and pollution potential.
Typical UPPCB Fee Range

↔ White Category: No fee

↔ Green Category: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000

↔ Orange Category: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000

↔ Red Category: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000

Note: Government fees are separate from consultancy charges.

Validity of Pollution NOC in UP

‣ CTE Validity: Usually 1–2 years

‣ CTO Validity:

• Green: 5 years

• Orange: 5 years

• Red: 3 years

Units must apply for renewal before expiry.

Process for Pollution NOC in Uttar Pradesh (2026)

Obtaining a Pollution NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is mandatory for industries before starting operations. This certificate ensures that your business complies with environmental regulations and pollution control standards. The process may seem technical, but following it step-by-step makes it straightforward and helps avoid delays or penalties.

Step 1: Classify Your Industry

Industries are classified based on their pollution potential into White, Green, Orange, or Red categories. This classification determines the type of consent required:

• CTE (Consent to Establish) – Needed before setting up the industry
• CTO (Consent to Operate) – Needed before commencing operations

The classification also affects the documentation and inspection requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents, which typically include:

• → Company registration certificates
• → Land documents or lease agreement
• → Plant layout and process flow diagrams
• → Pollution control plan (air, water, and solid waste management)
• → Consent forms and any other industry-specific approvals

Having complete documents ensures a smooth online application.

Step 3: Apply Online via UPPCB Portal

Submit your application online through the UP Single Window System. Upload all required documents, drawings, and the pollution control plan. Ensure that all information is accurate and matches your prepared documentation.

Step 4: Pay Government Fee

Pay the applicable fee online based on your industry category and the type of consent (CTE/CTO). The fee structure is available on the UPPCB portal and varies depending on the size and type of the industry.

Step 5: Inspection by UPPCB Officer (if required)

For certain categories, especially Orange and Red industries, a UPPCB officer may conduct an on-site inspection to verify the pollution control measures and compliance with environmental norms.

Step 6: Approval of CTE/CTO

After verification, the UPPCB issues the Consent to Establish (CTE) or Consent to Operate (CTO). In most cases, approvals are granted within 15–30 days if all documents are correct and inspections (if any) are satisfactory.

Why Pollution NOC is Important for Your Business in UP?

● Mandatory for factory setup

● Required for bank loans

● Needed for license approvals

● Avoid heavy penalties

● Legal compliance under pollution laws

● Required for expansion or modification

How PSR Compliance Helps You Get Pollution NOC in UP

PSR Compliance provides end-to-end support for:

☑ Industry category assessment

☑ Document preparation

☑ Portal application filing (UPPCB + Single Window)

☑ Pollution control plan preparation

☑ Follow-up with officers

☑ Inspection guidance

☑ Renewal and modification support

Whether your business is in Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Kanpur, Aligarh, Meerut or any other UP district — we handle the entire process.

FAQs – Pollution NOC in Uttar Pradesh (UPPCB)

1. What is Pollution NOC in UP?
It is a mandatory approval from UPPCB that allows industries to establish and operate legally under environmental norms.

2. Who needs Pollution NOC in Uttar Pradesh?
Any unit involved in manufacturing, processing, warehousing, or activities generating waste or emissions must obtain NOC.

3. How can I apply for Pollution NOC in UP?
Applications are submitted online through the UPPCB portal or UP Single Window system.

4. How long does UPPCB take to issue Pollution NOC?
The approval typically takes 15–30 working days, depending on category and documentation.

5. What is the fee for Pollution NOC in UP?
UPPCB fees vary by industry category, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹2,00,000.