Fill vacant posts in state pollution control boards in 4 months: NGT

The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories to fill vacant posts in pollution control boards within four months.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel also asked the chief secretaries of the states and UTs to ensure that there is "no embargo" in appointments so that effective steps for protection of environment can be taken.

"It is also necessary to direct that the laboratories established by the state pollution control boards/pollution control committees (SPCBs/PCCs), at headquarters as well as regional centers, are duly recognised for purposed of enforcement of environmental laws," the bench, also comprising justices S P Wangdi and K Ramakrishnan, said.

It asked authorities concerned to take further steps accordingly.

"The Central Pollution Control Board may compile a report and file before the next date. SPCBs/PCCs may utilise the funds available with them instead of approaching other authorities and on that pretext not performing their essential function," the bench said.

It also directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to monitor compliance of the Supreme Court directions with regard to appointments in state pollution control boards and submit report after ascertaining that uniformity in terms of qualifications, experience and special skill sets is adhered to, especially with regard to key position of chairman and member secretary of state pollution control baords.