Odisha Pollution Control Board Ranked No 1 In Transparency Index In Country

Bhubaneswar: The  State Pollution Control Board of Odisha has secured number 1 rank in Transparency Index rating done by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi.

Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board Dr K Murugesan has informed this to chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahaptra. Explaining the ranking, Dr Murugesan said the CSE did the assessment as per the provisions in Sec-17 ( C) and Sec 35 (2) of Air Act, Section 17 ( C) and Sec-39 (2) of Water Act, Environment Protection Action Act and various Waste Management Rules.

The assessment focused on putting the data regarding continuous emission monitoring, consent to establish and operate, public hearings for environmental clearance, show cause notices, directions and closure notices about 17 categories of industries on public domain. The rating was done on the basis of 18 parameters relating to these areas.

The performance of 31 state pollution control boards and pollution control committees in the country from 2016-2021 was taken into assessment.

While complementing the Board for the achievement, the chief secretary advised to involve different stakeholders in environmental management.