The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has observed that out of the 355 ‘test checked’ small industries out of 4322, 50 were established without obtaining environmental consent from Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB).
CAG in its report for financial year ending March 31, 2015 further observed that a total of 174 industries had not renewed their environment consent even after a lapse of one to 174 months.
Also irregular consent was issued to 42 coal based power plants and sponge iron plants in restricted area.As a result , these industries had continued their operation without adhering to environmental laws and rules, it observed.
The report further observed that 31 industries started production six months to five years before obtaining consent from CECB whereas 13 industries had started production five to 10 years before obtaining consent.
Remaining six industries had started their production 10 years before obtaining CECB consent. This indicates failure on part of the industries and the CECB to ensure compliance of environmental laws.
The reason for not obtaining the consent was mainly due to inadequate monitoring by CECB over issue of consent resulting from 63 per cent vacancies in respect of the post of Senior Scientific Officer, Chief Chemist, Scientist, Junior Scientist and chemists and 18 per cent and 25 per cent vacancies in the post of lab Assistant/Attendant and other staff respectively, the report stated.
During exit conference, Secretary stated in November 2015 that necessary action would be taken in this matter, it stated.
The fact remains that the industries are operating without obtaining CECB consent, the report stated.