T.S.R. The 2014 Subramanian Committee report had recommended it
Friday’s Supreme Court hearing sought the government’s response to the creation of an independent Indian Environment Service within the All India Service cadre.
A Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul gave notice to advocate Samar Vijay Sing’s request for a specialised service for the environment in the same lines as one recommended by T.S.R. Subramanian Committee report for 2014.
In its November 18, 2014 report, the Environment Ministry’s Committee had stated categorically that the necessary institutional framework must be created. It should build on existing systems to meet future ecological needs.
India has a strong policy and legislative environment. But, much of India’s problems are due to poor implementation and interpretation of the various acts and rules. The report stated that neither conservation advocates nor project proponents nor the judiciary are satisfied with the current state of environmental governance and how it is being used to manage the sector.
The Committee recommended the creation a new All India Service to replace the Indian Environment Service.
Mr. Singh also sought direction from the court for the government to create an Indian environment service academy to train officers in environmental law enforcement.
“The constant environmental degrading, ecological imbalance, climate changes, water scarcity, and other problems that are causing it, is a serious concern for India. India is concerned about these issues. Many environmental problems are being faced by Indian citizens, including air pollution, water pollution and non-eradication solid waste and garbage. The petition stated that environmental degradation can be caused by the weaknesses in the current system. This is due to the failure of various environmental institutions to enforce their rules at different levels.
It pointed out that there was no effective coordination amongst various Ministries/institutions regarding the integration of environmental concerns.
The petition stated that “There is a shortage of trained personnel involved with the administration, policy formulation and supervising implementation of policies of state government and central governments.”