CG Zero Waste Incentive (Subsidy)

The Zero Waste Incentive sits within the Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Policy 2024-30 and targets environmental sustainability in the state's industrial sector. It encourages industries to take up advanced technologies for water conservation and pollution control, with a specific focus on water recycling, harvesting and zero-discharge operations. Through financial support, the Government of Chhattisgarh aims to lower the environmental footprint of industries and build a green industrial ecosystem.

The incentive takes the form of an interest subsidy, which brings down the cost of capital for businesses putting money into eco-friendly infrastructure. It covers a range of vital industries, acknowledging their part in the state's economic development while pressing for greater environmental responsibility. Sectors that stand to gain include textiles, agro and food processing, dairy, non-timber forest products, compressed biogas (CBG) and green hydrogen plants, tying industrial growth to ecological preservation.

With this incentive, the Chhattisgarh government signals its commitment to sustainable industrialisation and lays out a clear route for businesses to improve operational efficiency while meeting stringent environmental standards. The policy looks towards an industrial landscape marked by minimal waste and maximum resource utilisation, delivering both economic prosperity and ecological balance.

Applications are to be made in accordance with the procedure laid down under the Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Policy 2024-30. The process generally comprises the following stages:

- **Preparation**: Assemble the requisite paperwork — a comprehensive project proposal, technical particulars of the water recycling or zero-discharge technologies proposed, environmental impact assessment reports, financial statements, and evidence of loan sanction. - **Submission**: Lodge the completed application bundle with the nominated department under the Government of Chhattisgarh, or with the concerned industrial development agency. - **Verification**: Government officials will scrutinise the documents submitted and the particulars of the project in detail. - **Approval & Sanction**: Once verification is satisfactorily completed and the competent authority grants approval, the industry is issued a sanction letter setting out the terms and conditions governing the interest subsidy. - **Claim Process**: Industries found eligible may thereafter draw the interest subsidy at intervals across the 5-year period, ordinarily by furnishing proof of the interest paid on their loans for the approved environmental projects.

A specialised committee, made up of officials from the Department of Industries, the Environment Department and other concerned government bodies in Chhattisgarh, generally reviews Zero Waste Incentive applications. Its evaluation covers the applicant's sector and whether it falls within the eligible categories, the technical soundness and effectiveness of the proposed water recycling, harvesting or zero-discharge technology, the project's likely contribution to environmental conservation and waste reduction, the industry's financial health and the economic case for investing in environmental infrastructure, and conformity with the objectives and guidelines of the Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Policy 2024-30.

Applications that make the shortlist may be subject to site visits or further rounds of discussion to clarify points raised, after which the selection committee issues its final decision.