New Delhi, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued directives to all states and Union territories to submit reports on the actual staff strength in state pollution control boards and pollution control committees. The tribunal also requested information on the infrastructure in their environmental laboratories.
The NGT’s action stems from a suo motu cognisance it took regarding a media report claiming that pollution control boards across the country lack the resources needed for their functions. The report highlighted issues such as insufficient sanctioned personnel, high vacancies, especially in technical roles, and a lack of proper training.
In response, a bench comprising NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel stated, “The news item raises a substantial issue affecting the compliance of environmental laws.” The bench affirmed the accuracy of the news report, referencing a Central Pollution Control Board report.
The report revealed that out of 11,969 sanctioned posts nationwide, only 5,877 are filled. In several states, including Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, the working strength in the pollution control bodies is less than half of the sanctioned strength.
The NGT has impleaded all states and UTs, along with the CPCB’s central and regional laboratories, as parties in the matter. They are directed to submit reports on the sanctioned and working strength of staff, the ratio of administrative, ministerial, and technical staff, and their regulating and monitoring facilities. Additionally, reports on environmental laboratories should include infrastructure details, equipment needs, and budget information for the last two years.
The next proceedings for this matter are scheduled for February 2, 2024.
By PTI
