Archive · 15 Jun 2025
CPCB Underutilizes Environmental Funds Collected Since 2018
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has collected a lot of money from fines related to pollution, but they haven't used much of it to help the environment.
From 2018 to 2024, they collected about ₹45 crore but only spent ₹9 lakh on environmental protection.
They also collect money to help clean up the air in Delhi and nearby areas, but they haven't spent all of that money either.
A group of people in the government noticed this and said that not enough money is being spent on pollution control programs.
CPCB spent 0.2% of environmental compensation funds collected from 2018-2024 on environmental protection.
₹45.81 crore was collected in environmental fines during this period, with only ₹9 lakh spent.
CPCB also underutilized Environment Protection Charge (EPC) funds for Delhi-NCR air pollution.
Only ₹130.9 crore of ₹427.37 crore EPC funds were spent from 2018-2024.
Parliamentary panel noted under-spending on pollution control schemes in 2024-25.
- Who
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- What
- CPCB has underutilized environmental compensation and pollution control funds.
- When
- From 2018 to 2024.
- Where
- India (focus on Delhi-NCR).
- Why
- Funds are meant for environmental protection, but most remain unspent.
Concerned Citizens and Environmental Groups
CPCB (Implied)
Fund Utilization
Concerned Citizens and Environmental Groups
Funds are not being used effectively for environmental protection.
CPCB (Implied)
The CPCB is managing and deploying funds appropriately.
- EC Collected (2018-2024)
- ₹45.81 crore
- EC Spent (2018-2024)
- ₹9 lakh (0.2%)
- EPC Collected (2018-2024)
- ₹427.37 crore
- EPC Spent (2018-2024)
- ₹130.9 crore
- Source of EPC
- 1% tax on diesel vehicles (2000cc+)