Published Paper Details:

Environmental governance in India largely depends on the effectiveness of regulatory institutions such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Despite a comprehensive legal framework under the Water Act, Air Act, Environment (Protection) Act concerns persistent of environmental pollution. This study critically examines the performance of the CPCB during 2023-2024 through the practical use of the RTI Act as an evaluative tool. The core problem addressed is the gap between CPCB's statutory responsibilities and its actual functioning as revealed through RTI disclosures relating to staffing, fund allocation and utilization, complaint handling, and public awareness initiatives. The research aims to assess CPCB's administrative performance, evaluate the effectiveness of the RTI Act in environmental monitoring and identify systemic deficiencies affecting regulatory outcomes. This study adopts a socio-legal approach combining doctrinal analysis with empirical examination of RTI applications filed with the CPCB and the responses received. These responses are critically analyzed for accuracy, completeness, timeliness and compliance with RTI rules. The findings reveal significant staffing shortages, inconsistencies in financial data reporting, limited disclosure practices, procedural irregularities and weak follow-up mechanisms in complaint redressal system. Although CPCB generally complies with RTI timelines, the quality and reliability of information provided remain questionable. The study concludes that while the RTI Act has potential as a tool for strengthening environmental governance, its impact remains limited without significant institutional reforms, improved data management system and greater administrative accountability within the CPCB.