India, Sept. 16 -- Nearly 60% of the environmental compensation charge (ECC) collected by the Delhi government remains unspent, with Rs.1,153.93 crore lying unused even as the Capital heads into the winter months when air pollution typically worsens, according to an RTI response.

The response showed that the government has received Rs.1,935.44 crore under the ECC so far, but spent only Rs.781.51 crore.

The Supreme Court has previously taken note of unutilised ECC funds and directed the Delhi government to submit a plan for using the remaining money on long-term measures as well as interim recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court had specifically stressed the need to fully utilise the funds for ...