Through whom is the cost report sent to the Hearing Officer?

According to Section 64 of the Punjab Environmental Regulation and Administration (PERA) Act, after an enforcement action has been completed, the Enforcement Officer prepares a detailed report of the enforcement cost. This cost report documents all expenses incurred during the operation — including logistics, manpower, administrative charges, and material use.

However, the report does not go directly to the Hearing Officer. Instead, the Act specifies that it must be transmitted through the Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO). The SDEO functions as a supervisory and verification channel, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and legitimacy of the cost details before the report reaches the Hearing Officer.

This structured chain of communication is crucial for maintaining administrative order, financial transparency, and accountability within the enforcement mechanism. By routing the report through the SDEO, the PERA framework ensures that every level of oversight has reviewed the financial data and confirmed that the enforcement costs are justified and properly documented.

Once verified, the SDEO forwards the report to the Hearing Officer, who uses it to assess the cost implications of the enforcement proceedings and, if applicable, determine recovery from offenders or allocation of funds.

This procedure prevents errors, duplication, or unauthorized expenses from entering the official records. It also reinforces the hierarchical integrity of the PERA enforcement system, making sure that reports follow the proper administrative pathway.

In summary, Section 64 mandates that enforcement cost reports be sent through the Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO) to the Hearing Officer, ensuring transparency, due process, and compliance with administrative protocols.

Legal Note: Section 64 – Procedure for Submission of Enforcement Cost Report via Sub Divisional Enforcement Officer (SDEO).