Chandigarh: Environmental damage compensation collected by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has fallen sharply over the past three years, dropping from Rs 15 lakh in 2023-24 to just Rs 2.25 lakh in 2025-26. The committee has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the funds were used solely for pollution-control and environmental protection activities.The disclosure was made in a compliance affidavit submitted before the NGT in response to its May 14, 2026 directions seeking details from pollution control boards and committees nationwide on environmental damage compensation (EDC) collected, its utilisation and audit status.According to the affidavit, CPCC collected Rs 15 lakh as environmental compensation in 2023-24. The amount declined to Rs 8 lakh in 2024-25 and further to Rs 2.25 lakh in 2025-26, taking the total collections over the three-year period to Rs 25.25 lakh.Explaining how the money was used, the committee said the funds are deposited in its consolidated account and spent only after approval from its governing body. The amount has been utilised for laboratory development and equipment procurement, public awareness campaigns, strengthening IT infrastructure, prevention and control of water and air pollution, and waste management activities.The affidavit emphasised that the environmental compensation fund is not diverted for any non-environmental purpose and is utilised strictly in accordance with the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.The CPCC further told the tribunal that all transactions relating to the fund are subject to statutory and internal audits conducted by chartered accountants appointed by the director environment on the recommendation of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), ensuring financial accountability.Apart from funding pollution-control measures, the committee said the compensation amount supports its statutory functions, including granting consents and authorisations, monitoring industrial units, drains, groundwater, ambient air quality and sewage treatment plants, as well as other regulatory and enforcement activities. It added that all expenditure is incurred only after following prescribed financial rules and administrative procedures.The affidavit has been filed in an ongoing NGT matter stemming from a news report on the utilisation of environmental compensation funds by pollution control authorities across the country.
