SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns over the alarming staff shortage within the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC).
With approximately 50 percent of sanctioned positions vacant, the NGT has directed the JKPCC to urgently address the issue and fill the vacancies.
Expressing dismay over the lack of enforcement of environmental regulations due to the significant staff shortfall, the NGT has instructed the Member Secretary of JKPCC to provide explanations for the large number of vacant positions within six weeks.
Highlighting the inadequacy of facilities and infrastructure in the Pollution Control Committee laboratories, the NGT emphasized the critical need to address these deficiencies.
According to available data, out of the 445 sanctioned posts within the JKPCC, only 242 are currently filled. The shortage is exacerbated by the retirement of officials, further reducing the working strength.
Specifically, the shortage is acute in administrative, ministerial, technical, and scientific roles, with working strengths falling far below sanctioned levels.
In response to the crisis, JKPCC officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that recruitment efforts are underway. Around 100 positions have been referred to the Service Selection Board (SSB), and recently, five junior environmental engineers were appointed. Additionally, 14 field inspectors are in the process of being hired, pending character verification.
Addressing concerns about the lack of facilities and infrastructure in PCC Labs, officials assert that while infrastructure is adequate, the primary issue remains the shortage of manpower.
