The CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) recently reported to the NGT (National Green Tribunal) that only 20% (Rs 156.33 crore) of the collected funds (Rs 777.69 crore) were utilized.
About the funds:
- The funds were spent on a variety of activities including upgrading laboratory equipment, field visits, strengthening of the air quality monitoring network, paddy straw management, and environmental remediation.
Compensation received by the CPCB:
- Compensation received by the CPCB falls under two main categories: (i) Environment Protection Charge (EPC) and (ii) Environmental Compensation (EC).
- The EPC, a 1% charge on specific new diesel vehicles in Delhi and NCR as per a Supreme Court order.
- The EPC is used for air quality improvement in Delhi-NCR through R&D, vehicular pollution control, health impact studies, and specific pollution control projects in Delhi-NCR and Punjab.
- The EC was based on the “Polluter Pay Principle” and ordered by the NGT.
- The EC funds rejuvenation and protection of the environment through strengthening laboratories or monitoring networks, compliance projects and studies per NGT orders, capacity building of pollution control boards, and allowance payments.
Ref:Source
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