New Delhi: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) marked its 51st Foundation Day at Parivesh Bhawan in the capital with a significant boost to India’s environmental monitoring and regulatory infrastructure. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, presided over the event as Chief Guest and laid the foundation stone of CPCB’s new headquarters building.
“Science Must Work with Sociology to Inspire Behavioural Change”: Bhupender Yadav
Addressing the CPCB staff and dignitaries, Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the need for environmental consciousness to be embedded in societal behaviour. “Science and sociology need to go hand in hand to bring a change in societal behaviour towards a collective environmental consciousness,” he said.
He further stressed that with India moving towards a $5 trillion economy, it is imperative that ecology and economy progress together. Highlighting the role of behavioural change, he remarked, “Regulations alone are not enough—unless society participates and evolves, we cannot ensure sustainable development.”
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CPCB’s Role in Capacity Building of State Boards
Calling the CPCB a “mentor institution”, Mr. Yadav said it must take the lead in capacity building for State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and related agencies. He noted that the CPCB has earned credibility with its scientifically sound data, which is respected by courts and citizens alike.
He also linked the goals of environmental governance with recent regulatory reforms like:
- Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 – aimed at decriminalizing minor offences
- Environment Audit Rules, 2025 – to promote compliance through transparency
Launch of SAMEER 2.0: Better Interface, Smarter Alerts
A key highlight of the event was the launch of SAMEER 2.0, an updated version of the air quality monitoring mobile app. The new version comes with –
- A redesigned user interface
- Location-based services
- Personalized alerts
- Enhanced citizen engagement features
The app is now available on both Android and iOS platforms, empowering citizens with real-time environmental data.
New Laboratories at Pune and Shillong to Boost Monitoring
In a major capacity-building move, the Minister also inaugurated two state-of-the-art laboratories at CPCB’s Regional Directorates in Pune and Shillong.
The Pune lab will serve Maharashtra and monitor up to 70 environmental parameters
The Shillong lab will cater to all North-Eastern states, covering 62 environmental parameters
These labs will support region-specific research and improve compliance monitoring in pollution-prone zones.
Technical Reports Released to Enhance Policy Framework
On the occasion, two important publications were also unveiled:
- ‘Classification of Polluted River Stretches, 2025’ – based on national water quality monitoring data
- A manual on using Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates – for identifying polluted and non-polluted water bodies
These will support evidence-based policy making and river conservation efforts across India.
Strengthening Human Resources
To further enhance institutional capability, offer letters were distributed to 13 new recruits who have joined various posts within CPCB. The move is aligned with the board’s long-term goal to build scientific and technical expertise across its departments.
Event Attendees and Stakeholder Participation
The Foundation Day celebration saw participation from:
- Secretary, MoEFCC – Mr. Tanmay Kumar
- DG (Forest) & Special Secretary – Mr. Sushil Kumar Awasthi
- Additional Secretaries and CPCB Chairman – Mr. Vir Vikram Yadav and Mr. Amandeep Garg
- Officials from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
Academicians, scientists, former CPCB officials, media, and international experts
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