Environment Ministry considers creation of air pollution research institute

Prakash Javadekar also asked states to tighten the noose around municipal corporations for not complying with environment rules

Environment Ministry is considering creation of an air pollution research institute to study the impact of pollution and guide the government in better handling of the menace.

"We need to do some research on air pollution as we do in other fields. So, we have thought of creating a new air pollution research institute. It will provide added information to the people and to the government, which will help us in better governance," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The minister was speaking at a two-day conference of Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees of all states participated by their Chairmen and Member Secretaries.

The minister stressed upon the need to organise similar conferences on a regular basis for active participation of states in capacity building.

"We want to hear suggestions from states. So, we will do separate conferences on air pollution, environment and forests. There will be two workshop in a year at the central level and one at a general level as an effort to build capacity.

Asking States to tighten the noose around municipal corporations for not complying with environment rules, Javadekar said the ministry has filed cases again five municipalities in National Green Tribunal for non-compliance.

"We can close the industry if it does not comply. Though we have the powers to close the municipalities also, if they violate rules, but we cannot do that in public interest. So, the environment ministry has filed a complaint in the NGT against five such violating municipal bodies," he said.