ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION is invariably linked to poor implementation of environmental norms and standards. This is what the new government must remember as it sets out to lead the country at a time when its manufacturing capabilities are significantly expanding. The government would do well to address some key areas of concern that hamper the environmental performance of the country's industrial sector.
STRENGTHEN SPCBs
Effective state pollution control boards (SPCBS) play a vital role in environmental management and regulation, as mandated by various laws. However, their performance suffers due to insufficient human power, limited financial resources and absence of adequate infrastructure. According to an April 5, 2024 report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 6,075, or over 50 per cent, of sanctioned positions across all SPCBS are vacant. In Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Manipur, the vacancy rate is over 60 per cent. Such shortages affect environmental gement and regulation. For example, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has 505 staff against the sanctioned posts of 839 to monitor 111,928 industries, as per the 2022 annual report of the board. Given that only 315 of the 505 staff are technical specialists, each of them are responsible for monitoring 355 industries. Therefore, it is imperative to assess institutional capacity and prioritise filling vacant positions.
This story is from the June 01, 2024 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 01, 2024 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
In leading role again
MOVIES AND WEB SERIES ARE ONCE AGAIN BEING SET IN RUSTIC BACKGROUNDS, INDICATING A RECONNECT BETWEEN CINEMA AND THE COUNTRYSIDE
One Nation One Subscription comes at a huge cost
As top US universities scrap big deals with top scientific publishers, India’s ONOS scheme seems flawed and outdated
Return of Rambhog
Bid to revive and sell the aromatic indigenous paddy variety has led to substantial profits for farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Terai region
Scarred by mining
Natural springs of Kashmir drying up due to illegal riverbed mining
Human-to-human spread a mutation away
CANADA IN mid-November confirmed its first human case of avian influenza, with a teenager in the British Columbia being hospitalised after contracting the H5N1 virus that causes the disease. The patient developed a severe form of the disease, also called bird flu, and had respiratory issues. There was no known cause of transmission.
True rehabilitation
Residents of Madhya Pradesh's Kakdi village take relocation as an opportunity to undertake afforestation, develop sustainable practices
INESCAPABLE THREAT
Chemical pollution is the most underrated and underreported risk of the 21st century that threatens all species and regions
THAT NIGHT, 40 YEARS AGO
Bhopal gas disaster is a tragedy that people continue to face
A JOKE, INDEED
A CONFERENCE OF IRRESPONSIBLE PARTIES THAT CREATED AN OPTICAL ILLUSION TO THE REALITY OF A NEW CLIMATE
THINGS FALL APART
THE WORLD HAS MADE PROGRESS IN MITIGATING EMISSIONS AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE IMPACTS. BUT THE PROGRESS REMAINS GROSSLY INADEQUATE
