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Contents
What is the News?
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has released the report titled ‘Transparency Index — Rating of Pollution Control Boards on Public Disclosure’.
About CSE Transparency Index:
- The index assessed the data disclosure performance of 29 state pollution control boards and six pollution control committees from across the country.
- The study has evaluated the information shared by SPCBs/PCCs during the last four to five years (2016-21) and uses 25 indicators that provide a broader assessment of the type and amount of information shared.
- A few key indicators used in the study include the availability of information on public hearings, non-attainment cities among others.
Key Findings of the Transparency Index:
- Data Disclosure: Most of the State Pollution Control Boards(SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees(PCCs) are non-transparent when it comes to sharing information with the public. Out of 29 boards, only 17 boards and committees scored 50% or above.
- The pollution control boards of Odisha and Telangana were the top performers and had scored 67% in transparency.
- Limited data on current pollution levels: Data indicating that the current pollution levels – air pollutants, waste etc – and the basic indicators of environmental health are missing. Most boards display inadequate data, indicating no trends.
- Information on the compliance status of industries: One of the serious drawbacks found during the review of annual reports is the lack of information on the compliance status of industries under various acts and rules.
- The index also mentions serious non-transparency regarding the information on public hearings, Board meetings also.
- Annual Reports: No initiative has been taken by 11 SPCBs and PCCs of the following states and Union territories in sharing their annual reports
Recommendations of the Transparency Index:
- There should be a uniform format for presenting annual reports and sharing information on websites. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should come up with a website format for the SPCBs / PCCs and guidelines for framing annual reports
- CPCB should come up with a website format for all SPCBs / PCCs for uploading information about the compliance history of industries at least for the grossly polluting.
- All SPCBs must share Public hearing information online.
- Information related to waste management should be made available on the websites of the pollution control bodies.