Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has collected over Rs 777 crore in environment protection charge (EPC) and environmental compensation (EC) funds, but only about Rs 156 crore, or 20%, has been utilized.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) receives compensation under two categories:
- Environment Protection Charge (EPC): EPC, mandated by the Supreme Court, involves a one per cent charge on specified new diesel vehicles registered in Delhi and NCR.
- Environmental Compensation, based on the Polluter Pay Principle and ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), is utilized for various environmental protection measures, including strengthening laboratories and monitoring networks, implementing NGT orders, and capacity building for pollution control boards.
About CPCB:
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organization established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It was later given powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and serves as a field formation providing technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Its key functions include promoting the cleanliness of streams and wells to prevent water pollution and improving air quality to prevent air pollution nationwide.
