Value addition to public governance by the CAG - Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

The case studies in this section highlight the diverse and measurable impact of audit interventions by the CAG in strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing regulatory frameworks across environmental management, welfare schemes, labour welfare, and compliance systems. Covering a wide spectrum of entities such as State Governments (Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Assam, and NCT of Delhi), central ministries and agencies, as well as statutory bodies like the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, these cases span myriad domains such as solid waste management, renewable energy planning, environmental regulation, social protection schemes, labour welfare, coastal governance, and urban pollution control. Collectively, they demonstrate how audit led insights have driven policy reforms, process standardisation, digital integration, stakeholder engagement, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms. These interventions have resulted in improved targeting of beneficiaries, enhanced environmental compliance, better utilization of public resources, increased transparency, and more robust and technology-enabled governance systems.

Solid Waste Management, Government of Meghalaya

Office of the Principal Accountant General (Audit), Meghalaya, during the audit of Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas in Meghalaya highlighted inadequate land availability and weak planning for scientific waste management, resulting in non-compliance with prescribed waste management norms. Based on the audit findings and recommendations presented to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the Department initiated measures to address long-pending issues related to waste processing and disposal.

Following the laying of the Audit Report in August 2024, processing and recycling of legacy waste commenced at the existing Marten landfill site in Shillong. Approximately two lakh tonnes of waste had been processed and recycled. The Department also revived the process of acquiring land for establishing modern solid waste management facilities and sanitary landfills, which had remained pending since 2011. The audit intervention resulted in renewed administrative action on scientific waste management, large-scale processing of legacy waste, and steps towards strengthening long-term waste management infrastructure in the State.

Highlights

• Audit identified critical gaps: Inadequate land availability and weak planning for scientific waste management.
• Legacy waste processing initiated: Recycling of approximately two lakh tonnes of waste at the Marten landfill site, Shillong.
• Revival of a long-pending initiative: Land acquisition process for modern SWM facilities and sanitary landfills resumed after remaining pending since 2011.
• Renewed focus on scientific waste management: Audit recommendations triggered action on waste processing and disposal.
• Strengthened long-term waste management capacity: Steps initiated towards developing sustainable waste management infrastructure.

SDGs