New Delhi: Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), currently grappling with a large number of vacancies, has issued a notification to fill 52 posts on deputation, including short-term contractual appointments.The positions being filled include seven senior environmental engineers, 17 environmental engineers, one senior scientist, two scientist-B posts and three scientific assistants, among others. In a report to National Green Tribunal (NGT) in May, CPCB noted that at least 189 of the 344 sanctioned posts in the DPCC were lying vacant.DPCC, in its notice, said, "Applications are invited for 52 posts that are to be filled on deputation (including short-term contract) from eligible officers/officials, working in the central/state govt/union territory/recognised research institute/autonomous bodies/statutory bodies/PSUs."It stated that all applications received up to Nov 30 shall be considered in the first phase; up to Dec 15 in the second phase and those received up to Dec 31 shall be taken up in the third phase.Experts said since Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world, the fight against pollution was being hampered by vacant technical posts within DPCC.Activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who has filed RTIs on vacant posts in pollution control bodies, said that with vacancies, the agency's operational capacity is drastically reduced. "This leads to fewer field inspections, slower response to violations and delayed action against industries and construction sites that flout norms. The shortage of technical experts, environmental engineers and enforcement officers also means that critical monitoring, such as real-time air quality assessment, waste management checks and industrial emission oversight, cannot be carried out effectively. As a result, pollution sources go unchecked for longer periods, allowing harmful emissions to accumulate and worsen public health risks," said Kandhari.She added that vacancies also hinder coordination with central agencies, delay the implementation of policies and limit the committee's capacity to prepare evidence-based action plans. "A weakened DPCC becomes unable to enforce the laws, directly contributing to prolonged periods of poor air quality. In a city as pollution-prone as Delhi, an understaffed pollution control body does not just slow administrative processes -- it directly affects the health of millions," Kandhari added.