A parliamentary standing committee has expressed dissatisfaction over the gross underutilisation of funds allocated to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the ‘Control of Pollution’ scheme during the financial year 2024-25.
Of the Rs 858 crore earmarked for combating pollution, only Rs 7.22 crore – less than 1 per cent – was spent by January 21, according to the Demands for Grants (2025-26) report tabled in Parliament.
Control of Pollution scheme
The ‘Control of Pollution’ scheme, launched in 2018, aims to monitor and mitigate air, water, and noise pollution across India. It is a critical component of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which targets reducing particulate matter pollution in 131 cities by 2026. The scheme also provides financial assistance to weaker state pollution control boards and supports environmental monitoring programmes.
Despite its importance, the ministry has failed to utilise the funds due to pending approval for the scheme’s continuation until 2025-26.
The parliamentary panel criticised this delay, stating that it comes at a time when air pollution has reached alarming levels in India. Delhi remains the world’s most polluted capital, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 micrograms per cubic metre, and many other cities are experiencing dangerously high air quality index levels. The committee urged the ministry to introspect and address the reasons behind this underutilisation, emphasising the urgent need for action against deteriorating air quality.
Implications of Fund Mismanagement Amid Air Pollution Crisis
The failure to utilise funds has raised concerns about India’s ability to tackle its worsening air pollution crisis effectively. The Rs 858 crore allocation represents over 27% of the ministry’s annual revised budget estimate, making its underutilisation a significant setback. The parliamentary panel noted that previous financial years saw full utilisation of allocated budgets, suggesting systemic issues in planning and approval processes this year.
The delay in utilising funds jeopardises efforts to clean air in non-attainment cities—those failing to meet air quality standards—and undermines progress towards NCAP goals. With Rs 3,072 crore allocated for these cities between 2019-20 and 2025-26, effective implementation is crucial to achieving pollution reduction targets.
Experts warn that continued mismanagement could exacerbate public health issues linked to poor air quality, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems. The panel’s report highlights the need for immediate action to streamline approval processes and ensure timely utilisation of resources.
In conclusion, while India faces a severe air pollution crisis affecting millions, bureaucratic delays have hindered critical mitigation efforts. The parliamentary panel’s call for introspection serves as a wake-up call for the Environment Ministry to prioritise addressing this pressing issue before further damage occurs.
