AMN /
A parliamentary panel has asked the Union Environment Ministry to take necessary measures for ensuring meeting targets in the future and optimum utilization of funds. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forest in its 283rd report said the ministry could not achieve the physical targets relating to Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations and new noise monitoring stations.
The committee said that whether it was air, water or noise pollution, it has gone beyond permissible limits during the last few years and has serious consequences for health and well-being of the citizens. The committee said that growing urbanisation, rapid industrialisation and increasing population during the last few years have also tremendously impacted the environmental concerns of the country.
The panel also noted that the budgetary allocation of the ministry is considerably low compared to the projections made by the ministry for the 12th Plan period. It said that the ministry needs to be adequately funded for taking all necessary steps in pursuit of the discharge of its mandate which includes ensuring better environment management and preservation of biodiversity including wildlife.