Half of India's Pollution Control Posts Vacant Amidst Choking Smog

• Nearly 50% of sanctioned posts in India's pollution control panels remain vacant amidst severe urban smog.
• A Parliament answer revealed 3,161 out of 6,932 scientific and technical posts (45.6%) are vacant across CPCB, SPCBs, and PCCs.
• Vacancies range from 44% to 51% over the last five years, with Sikkim having 100% vacancy and Kerala under 10%.
• Delhi's AQI reached 'severe plus' category, highlighting the ongoing air pollution crisis.
• Noida, Delhi, and Faridabad show low utilization of funds under the National Clean Air Programme.

Why It Matters: High vacancies in pollution control panels hinder India's fight against toxic smog.