The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan for failing to fill vacancies in their respective Pollution Control Boards (PCBs). This action stems from the states’ non-compliance with the Court’s directive to address the significant staff shortages in these critical environmental bodies.

In an earlier order dated August 27, 2024, the Supreme Court mandated that all vacancies in the PCBs of the National Capital Region (NCR) states be filled by April 30, 2025. The Court emphasized the urgency of this matter, noting that the high number of vacancies had rendered the boards ineffective in controlling pollution. For instance, Delhi had 204 out of 344 sanctioned posts vacant, Uttar Pradesh had 344 out of 732, Rajasthan had 394 out of 808, and Haryana had 173 vacant positions .

The Court criticized the states for their lack of action, highlighting that the PCBs are “virtually defunct” due to these vacancies. It directed the states to urgently fill the vacant posts, especially those requiring direct recruitment, within two months from the date of the order. The Court also summoned the Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to explain the steps being taken to address the pollution challenges, particularly with the upcoming stubble-burning season .

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the critical need for fully staffed and functional PCBs to effectively combat pollution in the NCR and surrounding regions. The Court has made it clear that it will not grant any extensions beyond the April 30, 2025, deadline for filling these vacancies.

Sources