Panel Slams Environment Ministry for Underusing Pollution Funds
The Environment Ministry has come under fire from a parliamentary panel for underutilizing a significant portion of the funds allocated for the “Control of Pollution” scheme. The scheme, which is crucial for combating air pollution under the National Clean Air Programme, has faced delays due to pending approval, raising concerns amid India’s worsening air quality crisis.
According to a recent report, the Environment Ministry has utilized less than 1% of the ₹858 crore allocated for the “Control of Pollution” scheme in 2024-25. This is a stark contrast to the expectations of the parliamentary panel, which had hoped that the scheme would be implemented effectively to address the pressing issue of air pollution in the country.
The parliamentary panel, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of various schemes and programmes, has expressed its disappointment and concern over the underutilization of funds. In a recent report, the panel pointed out that the scheme was crucial for the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme, which aims to reduce the concentration of particulate matter (PM) in the air by 20-30% by 2024.
The panel has also highlighted the need for a more proactive approach by the Environment Ministry in tackling air pollution. The report states that the ministry has been slow in approving the proposals submitted by states and union territories for implementing the scheme, which has resulted in delays and underutilization of funds.
Air pollution is a major health crisis in India, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that it causes around 12 lakh premature deaths every year. The National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019, aims to address this issue by reducing the concentration of PM in the air. However, the scheme has faced several challenges, including limited funds and inadequate infrastructure.
The parliamentary panel has recommended that the Environment Ministry should take immediate steps to utilize the remaining funds for the “Control of Pollution” scheme. The panel has also suggested that the ministry should work closely with states and union territories to implement the scheme effectively and ensure that the funds are utilized in a transparent and accountable manner.
The underutilization of funds for the “Control of Pollution” scheme is a major concern, especially in light of the worsening air quality crisis in the country. The Environment Ministry needs to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the scheme is implemented effectively to reduce air pollution.
In conclusion, the parliamentary panel’s criticism of the Environment Ministry for underutilizing pollution funds is a wake-up call for the government to take immediate action to address the air pollution crisis in the country. The ministry needs to work closely with states and union territories to implement the “Control of Pollution” scheme effectively and ensure that the funds are utilized in a transparent and accountable manner.
