Evaluation of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) – A report by Indian Institute of Management Lucknow

This evaluation report by the Indian Institute of Management (Lucknow) of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a central institution established to set environmental standards for all parts of the country focuses on strengthening of CPCB and its preparedness to undertake various measures as suggested by environmental statutes.

It focuses on the following outputs/ aspects -

• Facilitate reprioritization/ reengineering of CPCB scheme with a view to increasing its efficiency, transparency and accountability.
• Assess the overall physical and financial outcomes and impact of CPCB scheme, as well as its cost effectiveness, during the 10th Five Year Plan.
• Improve the quality of implementation and enhance the efficiency and accountability of the delivery mechanism.
• Determine continued relevance of the scheme in the context of the National Environment Policy, 2006.

The present study is not a typical impact evaluation study of CPCB. It has been conducted with a focus on preparing a business plan of CPCB for the future and to assess organizational capabilities, strengths and weaknesses to achieve the plan. Based on the analysis, the study identifies the areas for institutional strengthening to bridge the gap between the above two aspects.

The study suggests the following -

• The CPCB does not have sufficient teeth for pollution control and its infrastructure resources are not adequate to deliver the mandate.
• Although CPCB and respective SPCB are two independent institutions located at two different levels, they need to function jointly/cohesively and in a coordinated manner. The performance of CPCB in terms of its impact on pollution abatement and control depends largely on the efficiency and efficacy of SPCBs, CPCB should, therefore, have a stake in the governance of state boards. For this purpose, there must be representation of CPCB in the governing board of all SPCBs. This practice is being followed presently in Tripura.
• Presently there is no inbuilt performance review system of CPCB at regular interval by MoEF. The review should include both performance budgeting and perspective planning of CPCB.
• Zonal offices of CPCB are considered an extension arm of CPCB for working closely with SPCBs. As an immediate measure, the present zonal offices should be strengthened by providing more human and infrastructure resources.
• A committed and qualified strong workforce is required if CPCB has to become a Centre for Excellence for pollution control. In order to attract desired people there must be enough provision for training and exposure visits of the scientific staff so that they are updated with new technological development taking place across the globe.
• Availability of financial resources should be ensured if CPCB has to perform its mandate efficiently. Presently CPCB is entirely dependent on Government for funds. Accordingly, there must be quantum jump in financial support by Government to CPCB.
• It is also desirable that CPCB should reduce its dependency for funds on MoEF and look forward to other avenues. CPCB has to ensure that while utilizing its scientific experts to provide consultancy for fund generation, its core mandate and functions should not be sacrificed in terms of quality and quantity.
• Right from its inception, CPCB has been given the responsibility for abatement and control of air and water pollution in the country by generating relevant data, providing scientific information, rendering technical inputs for formation of national policies, training and development of manpower and organizing activities for promoting awareness at different levels of the government and public at large. Its role in compliance and enforcement has been mostly indirect through SPCBs.
• In general, pollution control strategies are based on regulations as is evident from the enactment of a large number of regulatory laws over the years. Inadequate emphasis has been laid on strategies based on technologies or comprehensive information to stakeholders.
• CPCB should play a more active role in developing new low cost cleaner technologies as well as demonstrating latest technologies and provide relevant information related to causes of pollution and mechanisms to control pollution to the public and disclose the polluters publicly.
• Environment being a common property resource can be handled properly through collective efforts rather than enforcing the regulations. Here the CPCB has to play a proactive role in the future. CPCB should work more closely with local communities and NGOs for creating awareness and knowledge about pollution abatement and control.
• There is a need for closer coordination with other Ministries and organizations which are directly or indirectly related to pollution control. 

Suggestions for some priority programs of CPCB are listed below -

• Prepare and monitor action plans for Critically Polluted Areas (CPAs).
• Develop and implement, on a pilot scale, PPP models for setting up CETPs, CTDFs, CBMTDFs and STPs.
• Prepare and implement an action plan for major cities for treatment, reuse and recycling of sewage and effluents.
• Promote R&D in development of low cost technology for effluent and sewage treatment, including ZLD, wherever feasible.
• Explore outsourcing of functions such as training and awareness.
• Strengthen the monitoring and enforcement of emission and effluent standards both for point and non-point sources.
• Inventorize the seventeen categories of highly polluting industries.

 Download the report here -