SC Questions Govt on Unused Rs 1,000 Crore Green Fund
The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the central government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding the non-utilisation of over Rs 1,000 crore in the Environment Protection Fund. The fund was established to finance environmental conservation and pollution control efforts across the country.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India issued the directive while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to environmental degradation. The court expressed concern that substantial funds meant for critical environmental projects have remained idle, potentially hampering efforts to combat pollution and preserve natural resources.
The Environment Protection Fund, created under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, is intended to support activities such as afforestation, waste management, and pollution abatement. The government had earlier informed the court about the accumulation of funds, but failed to provide a detailed account of their utilisation.
The Supreme Court has now given the Centre and the CPCB four weeks to file a comprehensive affidavit explaining the reasons for the delay in utilising the funds and outlining a timeline for their deployment. The court also sought details on the specific projects that were planned but not executed due to the lack of fund utilisation.
Environmental activists have welcomed the court's intervention, noting that unspent funds reflect a systemic failure in implementing environmental policies. They argue that timely utilisation of such funds is crucial for addressing pressing issues like air and water pollution, especially in urban areas.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing in six weeks, during which the court will review the government's response and consider potential directions for the effective utilisation of the fund.
