HSPCB recovers under 1% of ₹243 crore environmental compensation dues
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it has recovered less than 1% of ₹243.7 crore in environmental compensation (EC) dues imposed between 2024 and 2025 on polluting units. This highlights poor enforcement of the 'polluter pays' principle and raises concerns about repeated environmental violations.
Background
Environmental compensation is levied on polluting units for violating pollution norms. The NGT has been monitoring recovery of such dues. HSPCB had imposed EC on defaulting units but failed to recover most of it.
Key facts
HSPCB recovered only ₹2.25 crore out of ₹243.7 crore in EC dues (less than 1%).
Southern Haryana (Gurugram and Faridabad) accounts for ₹182 crore in pending recoveries.
Gurugram recovered ₹1.5 crore against ₹150 crore dues; 134 defaulting units.
Faridabad recovered ₹1.57 lakh against ₹23.57 crore dues; 96 defaulters.
Panipat recovered ₹30,000 against ₹9.92 crore dues; 11 defaulters.
No recoveries from 42 defaulting units in Mahendargarh, Panchkula, Nuh, Yamuna Nagar, Kurukshetra.
Petitioner Varun Gulati alleged that consent to operate (CTO) permissions are granted despite pending EC dues.
HSPCB said recovery proceedings through arrears of land revenue and asset auction have been initiated.
Prelims pointers
- HSPCB: Haryana State Pollution Control Board
- NGT: National Green Tribunal
- EC: Environmental Compensation
- RTI: Right to Information
- CTO: Consent to Operate
- Polluter pays principle
- Arrears of land revenue
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Effectiveness of environmental compensation mechanism in deterring pollution.
- GS2 Polity: Role of NGT in enforcing environmental laws and challenges in implementation.
- GS3 Economy: Economic instruments for environmental regulation and recovery mechanisms.