CAG

Ever since the lockdown was announced in March 2020 in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, there have been media reports of several accidents of vehicles transporting migrant workers across the country. With roads being relatively free during the lock down, people tend to drive fast, and post lock down, we can expect a definite surge in accidents as many people will be on the roads and will tend to drive fast. Vulnerable road users may be the worst affected.

The Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2020, was uploaded in the MoEFCC Website on March 12, 2020, with a view to receive public comments within 60 days. In this letter CAG requests the MoEFCC to withdraw the draft from public domain in light of the country-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus Covid 19.

The file contains the letter to Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and Chief Secretary (GoTN) about irregularities and suspected “match-fixing” in appointment of Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The letter requests apex bodies to strike down this notification, and issue a fresh notification excluding the problematic criteria.