Press Release No : 550 Date: 17.08.2026 Press Release The Hon’ble Minister for Environment and Climate Change Dr.V. K. Rajeev today (17.08.2026) launched the Manali–Ennore Remediation and Restoration Council (MERRC) Website and the White Category Portal at the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) Corporate Office, Chennai. The Hon’ble Minister also interacted with the newly recruited Assistant Engineers and Environmental Scientists of TNPCB. White Category Portal The White Category Portal, developed by TNPCB, provides a simple and user- friendly online mechanism for industries classified under the White Category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classifies industries based on their pollution potential under Red, Orange, Green, White and Blue categories. Industries with minimal pollution potential are classified under the White Category and, subject to applicable provisions, are exempted from obtaining Consent from the Pollution Control Board. Through the dedicated portal, available at https://tnpcb.gov.in/whitecategory/ui/, eligible industries can submit their online intimation through a self-declaration process and obtain an instant acknowledgement certificate, without payment of consent fees. The initiative simplifies regulatory procedures, reduces the compliance burden and promotes Ease of Doing Business, while ensuring environmental responsibility. MERRC Website The Manali–Ennore Remediation and Restoration Council (MERRC) was established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) following the environmental incidents in the Manali–Ennore region in December 2023, including the oil spill and ammonia gas leakage incidents. MERRC is coordinating various initiatives relating to environmental restoration, pollution control, rejuvenation of water bodies and community development in the region. The newly launched website provides a platform for disseminating information on these initiatives and enables greater public access, transparency and monitoring of the ongoing environmental restoration activities. The programme was attended by Tmt. Kakarla Usha, IAS Additional Chief Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change & Forests Department, Thiru. Anurag Mishra, IFS Chairperson, TNPCB, Dr. P. Alarmelmangai, IAS Member Secretary, TNPCB, along with officials of the TNPCB. Issued By: - DIPR, Secretariat, Chennai – 9