Archive · 19 Aug 2025
UP Pollution Control Board Grapples With Staff Shortage, RTI Reveals
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), which is responsible for watching over air and water quality, is missing a lot of its staff.
Almost half of the jobs there are empty.
An activist found this out by asking questions.
The board is trying to hire new people, but it's slow.
Because of the lack of staff, it's harder for the board to do its job and keep the environment safe.
The Supreme Court had told them to fill the positions by September 30, 2025, but there is a delay.
Nearly half of the posts in the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) are vacant.
The UPPCB has a sanctioned strength of 732 posts, with 355 currently vacant.
The board has sent requisitions to fill 115 Group C posts, with the process underway.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, 42 junior engineers received appointment orders, with only 28 joining.
An RTI query revealed concerns over the board's ability to monitor pollution due to staff shortages.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), environmental activist Amit Gupta, and the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission.
- What
- Nearly half of the posts at the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board are vacant.
- When
- The information was current as of August 1, 2025. The Supreme Court gave a deadline of September 30, 2025, to fill the vacancies.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, specifically focusing on the UPPCB and its Noida office.
- Why
- To address the shortage of staff and to fulfill the functions of monitoring pollution across Uttar Pradesh.
Concerns Regarding Staffing
Government Response
Effectiveness
Concerns Regarding Staffing
Environmental activist, Amit Gupta, highlights concerns regarding UPPCB’s ability to monitor air and water pollution due to severe staff shortage.
Government Response
UPPCB has not publicly commented on the impact of the staff shortage on its pollution monitoring capabilities.
Timeliness
Concerns Regarding Staffing
Advocates for quick action to fill the vacant posts.
Government Response
The UPPCB has not yet met the Supreme Court’s stated deadline to address the situation.
- Organization
- Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB)
- Total Sanctioned Posts
- 732
- Vacant Posts
- 355 (approx. 49%)
- RTI Query Filed By
- Amit Gupta
- Posts Being Filled
- 115 Group C Posts
- Supreme Court Deadline
- September 30, 2025
