The newly-appointed chairman of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB), Mani Shankar, has stressed the need to make the body more transparent and pro-active. For this, the pollution board needs to be overhauled at every level so that it does not remain just a licencing authority clearing projects.
Speaking to mediapersons after taking charge on Monday, Mani Shankar, whose appointment had kicked off a storm, listed his priorities. "Jharkhand is worst affected by air pollution due to worn-out vehicles. Also, industries are putting wastes directly into the rivers. River pollution in mining and industrial areas of the State is the highest. The board will play an active role in correcting things and will not remain a licencing authority," said the chairman.
The JSPCB has been in the news often for wrong reasons and has been criticised for not doing enough to nail erring industries emitting toxic wastes. Also, delaying tactics by the board officials have affected many developmental projects in the State.
"We will initiate a statewide tour from April 1 to assess the situation in all the districts. Generating awareness among the people, putting a check on worn-out vehicles and improving the traffic system will top my priority list," added Mani Shankar.
When asked about time-bound disposal of applications coming to the board, he said he would be working in that direction with proper adherence to laid-out rules and guidelines.
Ironically, Mani Shankar's appointment has already created a controversy in official circles on the ground that he does not fulfill the criteria set by a committee constituted by the Supreme Court for the purpose in 2003.
According to sources, the committee, headed by MGK Menon, found that the State Pollution Control Boards were not constituted in accordance with the provisions given in the Water Act,1974 and the Air Act,1981.
These statutory provisions require that the chairman should be a person having "special knowledge or practical experience in respect of matters relating to environmental protection or a person having knowledge and experience in administering institutions dealing with the matters aforesaid."
Following the SC's directive and the amended Central rule, the State's Environment and Forest department prepared a draft for appointment of the chairman. These had to be approved by the Governor's Advisory Council to make them effective in the State.
Mani Shankar, however, claimed that his career throughout had been dedicated to environmental protection and those who were opposing his appointment at JSPCB had done nothing in their public life. Mani Shankar has been an active member of the Congress and has held posts in Youth Congress, worked as member of AICC and INTUC.
Hailing from Deoghar, Mani Shankar asserted that he has worked actively in protecting world heritage site Taj Mahal and also for cleaning of River Yamuna. He was conferred with National Youth Award in 1989 for his social and voluntary activities.