Not even 1% of allocated money used in 2024-25 for pollution control scheme

A Parliamentary standing committee has raised concerns over the gross under utilization of funds by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Report presented in the parliament revealed that less than 1% of the Rs 858 crore allocated for the 'control of pollution' scheme in the 2024-25 financial year has been spent so far. In its report submitted on Tuesday, the committee described this as 'shocking' and urged the ministry to introspect and take corrective measures.

The department-related standing committee on science and technology, environment, forests, and climate change, which examines the spending and performance of ministries against their budget allocations, said the ministry’s inaction is particularly alarming given the worsening air, water, and noise pollution levels across the country. The panel noted that pollution levels have exceeded permissible limits in recent years, posing serious risks to public health and well-being. Air pollution, in particular, has become a national crisis, it said.

The report highlighted that the ministry has failed to decide on the continuation of the pollution control scheme, despite the pressing need to improve air quality. The committee criticized the ministry, stating,

"At a time when it is imperative to address the serious and worsening challenge of air pollution, the ministry has yet to make a decision regarding the future of this crucial scheme."

Ministry officials, speaking anonymously to The Indian Express, attributed the low fund utilization to the delay in securing approval for continuing the scheme. The officials, however, pointed out that the ministry had fully utilized the allocated budget for this scheme during the previous two financial years.

The 'Control of Pollution' scheme, launched in 2018, plays a crucial role in monitoring air, water, and noise pollution and providing financial assistance to state pollution control boards, particularly in weaker states. It also supports the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), a flagship initiative that aims to reduce particulate matter (PM10) pollution in 131 cities by 2026. Under the 15th Finance Commission, 49 cities with populations exceeding one million receive NCAP funds, while the 'Control of Pollution' scheme funds air quality improvement in 82 other cities.

The committee’s report highlights the urgency of improving air quality, citing the 2024 World Air Quality Report, which identified Delhi as the world's most polluted capital, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 micrograms per cubic meter. Additionally, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities globally are located in India.

Apart from pollution control, the committee recommended developing a national-level heat action plan to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, expressing concern over the likelihood of extreme heat waves during the upcoming summer.

The panel also flagged the ministry’s overall spending in the 2024-25 fiscal year, noting that with only 40 days left until the end of the financial year, the ministry had utilized just 54 percent of its revised allocation of Rs 3,125 crore as of January 31. However, the ministry's secretary informed the panel that the actual utilization figure had increased to 69 percent by the time of the meeting.

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