CAG slams environment ministry over green plans failure

NEW DELHI - The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Friday slammed the environment ministry for failing to implement its ambitious projects of afforestation, conservation of biodiversity, pollution control and spreading awareness among the people.

The CAG report tabled in parliament found that money allotted under various environmental schemes has been lying unused and in a majority of projects, targets were not achieved.

The audit done for the period April 2008-March 2009 highlights issues relating to the adequacy and effectiveness of programmes, schemes and interventions made by the ministry to tackle important environmental issues like deforestation, biodiversity and pollution control.

The report also contain 37 specific recommendations, which according to CAG, will enable the executive to take corrective action as also frame policies and directives that will lead to improved environmental governance.