NGT orders to fill vacancies in pollution boards across India

New Delhi: There are vacancies in various pollution control boards across the country, but the process of filling vacant posts is slow. As per the official report, 167 out of 2,228 positions have been filled so far in 12 states and two union territories. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) received this data as part of an ongoing compliance report.

The NGT issued an order to fill all the posts by April 30, 2025, except those in the National Capital Region (NCR). CPCB affidavits unveiled that in 2024, out of 11,562 sanctioned posts in the country, about 5,671 positions remained unoccupied. Only 14 states and one union territory, such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, and Kerala, have submitted progress reports. Meanwhile, states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, along with union territories like Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir, have not provided updates.

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There are no vacancies in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep. In fact, most of the states are slow in filling the positions amid a dearth of qualified candidates; recruitment exams have not taken place and so on.

The NGT has taken the issue seriously after news flashed that the huge number of positions are vacant in pollution control boards. The department plays a key role in controlling pollution across the nation. The tribunal has made it clear that timely action is essential to make the boards strong and effective.