After two decades of its creation, the administrative control of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) was today approved for transfer to the Forest and Environment department from its parent PHE department.
The approval by the state cabinet came almost after two years of a proposal that the MSPCB that looks after the quality of air, water and the environment in the state be transferred from the PHE department to give more teeth to the board to act against those who flout environmental laws while setting up their business enterprises.
"The Cabinet has approved the transfer of administrative control of the MSPCB from the PHE department to the Forest and Environment department," Meghalaya Forest minister Tynsong told reporters after a cabinet meeting here.
Since the board looks into issues of pollution mostly with the environment, it is more appropriate that the administrative control be transferred to the Forest and Environment department, he said.
The Forest Minister said the aim is to make the board more effective in its functioning.
Since its creation in 1983 in pursuance of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the functions of the Board are as laid down under Section 17 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Section 17 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
Accordingly for the post of Chairman, who until the transfer is an executive engineer drawn from the PHE department will be filled up by an expert not less than the rank of a Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, the Minister said.
The MSPCB is tasked to conduct public hearings before a new project is undertaken with an aim to prevent, control and abate air and water pollution, to maintain and restore the wholesomeness of water and prevent hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property.
