Delhi Pollution Control Committee's Environmental Fund Underutilized: RTI Reveals
DPCC used only 43 per cent of Environmental Compensation fund collected over past decade: RTI
Hindustan Times
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The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has spent only 43% of the ₹158.88 crore collected in the Environmental Compensation fund over the past decade, according to an RTI filed by activist Amit Gupta. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of pollution mitigation efforts in the capital, which remains one of the most polluted cities in India.
- 01Only 43% of the Environmental Compensation fund has been utilized by the DPCC.
- 02A total of ₹158.88 crore was collected from 2015-16 to 2025-26.
- 03Expenditure peaked at ₹35.93 crore in 2024-25, despite high collections in subsequent years.
- 04Environmental activist Amit Gupta questions the lack of transparency regarding fund utilization.
- 05Delhi remains one of the most polluted cities in India, highlighting the urgent need for effective use of these funds.
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The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has reportedly utilized only 43% of the ₹158.88 crore collected through the Environmental Compensation fund over the last decade, as revealed by an RTI filed by environmental activist Amit Gupta. The fund, generated from fines imposed on pollution-causing entities, is intended for ecological restoration and pollution mitigation in New Delhi. Yearly data indicates that the highest collection occurred in 2025-26 at ₹36.53 crore, while the maximum expenditure was in 2024-25 at ₹35.93 crore. Gupta raised concerns about the underutilization of these funds, questioning the lack of specific projects funded and the overall planning for pollution control. Despite significant funds collected, nearly 57% remains unspent, which Gupta argues reflects a lack of long-term vision in addressing the city's persistent pollution issues.
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The underutilization of the Environmental Compensation fund raises concerns about the effectiveness of pollution control measures in Delhi, which could lead to continued health and environmental issues for residents.
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