Yes, any industry, commercial establishment, or institution generating air, water, or land pollution must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) before setting up and Consent to Operate (CTO) before commencing operations in Uttarakhand.

Consent to Establish (CTE) is obtained before construction or setting up of the unit. Consent to Operate (CTO) is obtained after installation of pollution control equipment and before starting commercial operations. Both are mandatory for legal compliance.

Approval timelines vary based on industry category. Green category units may get approval within 30-45 days, while Red and Orange category industries may take 60-90 days or more depending on complexity and completeness of documentation.

CTE validity is typically 3-5 years depending on project size. CTO validity ranges from 1 to 5 years based on industry category and compliance history. Units with better compliance records may get longer validity periods.

Operating without valid PCB consent can result in heavy fines under the Water and Air Acts, closure orders, sealing of premises, disconnection of power and water supply, and criminal prosecution. The penalties can include imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to ₹1 lakh per day of violation.