Jaipur: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought details of decisions taken by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board between April 2022 and Feb 2024 as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of official position by IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal to favour a private company. Specifically, the agency has sought details of environmental clearances granted and changes made to regulatory norms during this period.Agrawal was posted as chairperson of the board between 2023 and 2024.In a letter to the board Monday, the bureau sought details of projects granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other clearances during Agrawal’s tenure. It has asked whether any changes were made to the checklists governing Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate – mandatory clearances granted to projects before and after construction, respectively.If yes, the agency has asked the board to provide details of changes made, the reasons behind them and relevant records.Further, ACB has sought clarification on changes made to conditions governing land conversion and forest department NOCs during the specified period. It has asked the board to specify the level of authority that approved such changes, if any.On the ecologically sensitive Nahargarh hills, the bureau has likewise asked whether any changes were made to the area’s Zonal Master Plan or Eco-Sensitive Zone notification. If any revisions were indeed made, the board has been asked to provide details, the justifications for them and the relevant files and note sheets identifying the authority that approved them.Agrawal, until recently serving as additional chief secretary, industries, was placed on the Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) list on Oct 28. ACB registered a preliminary inquiry against him on Oct 30 under the Prevention of Corruption Act following formal state govt approval.His wife, IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, was similarly placed on the APO list on Oct 31.At the centre of the probe are alleged irregularities in the purchase of villas by Agrawal, his wife and family members at resorts constructed by Goyal Fashions, a private company, in Udaipur and Alwar. The bureau has alleged that Agrawal colluded with the directors of the company to secure undue benefits for it, including relaxations in resort construction conditions, approvals without verification of mandatory certificates and a special concessional financial package.
