Control of Pollution scheme

Current Context: The Union Environment Ministry allocated ₹858 crore for the ‘Control of Pollution’ scheme in FY 2024-25. However, less than 1% of funds has been utilised due to pending approvals, raising concerns about the effectiveness of pollution control efforts.

Control of Pollution’ Scheme:

• Launch Year:
• Objective: Monitor air, water, and noise pollution under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
  • NCAP Target: Reduce particulate pollution by 40% in 131 cities by 2026 (compared to 2019-20 levels).
• Funding: Fully centralised.

Key Issues

• Underutilisation of Funds:
  • Only ₹7.22 crore spent from ₹858 crore allocation.
  • Pending approvals have stalled fund disbursement.
  • Plantation Drives:
• Low survival rates of planted trees.
  • Lack of monitoring and management reduces effectiveness.
• Budget Utilisation:
  • Ministry spent only 54% of its budget by January 31, 2025.
  • Discrepancies in official claims and actual fund utilisation highlight transparency issues.
• Recommendations
  • Expedite approval processes for schemes to ensure timely fund utilisation.
  • Conduct audits and improve transparency in fund allocation and management.
  • Enhance monitoring and survival rates for plantation drives.
  • Strengthen accountability measures within the ministry to meet NCAP objectives.