Shimla
In continuation to efforts made by Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board to keep environment clean and green, a workshop on “Effective Implementation Of Environment Laws in Himachal” was organised here today.
This workshop was conducted as the part of annual event “Samanvay” that is organised every year to contemplate on the challenge that are being faced in context to rapidly changing environment in day to day life.
The workshop touched various aspects including solid and plastic waste management, water, air noise, E – waste pollution management. Speakers shared their expertise and brainstormed to find solution to the problem.
Speaking on the occasion Prabodh Saxena Chairman HPSPCB said that, “An an intelligent being we should learn from animals who keep their surroundings neat and clean. Economical status does not have any direct relation with hygiene and practicing of laws.”
He added that as an individual we all should share responsibility and there is a dire need for technological development so that there is transparency Shimla,
In his inaugural address, he pointed out that the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Govt. of India has re-visited the entire spectrum of waste Rules and revised the Regulations for management of all categories of waste such as Municipal Waste, Plastic Waste, E-Waste, Bio-medical Waste, Hazardous Waste, Construction and Demolition Waste. These new Regulatory Frameworks will transform the approach to manage all forms of waste and make a big difference in securing regulatory compliances. The Urban Local Bodies, which have a lot to do, have an important role in management of civic waste and they need to act fast and must fully utilize the technologies available for waste processing. Special efforts are required to improve ambient air quality of 7 non-attainment cities/towns, besides, mitigation of water pollution problem of 7 polluted river stretches, so that designated water quality of those rivers are restored.
He acclaimed the endeavours made by the State Board in organising “Samanvay-2021” and hoped that its outcome will show us the way forward to evolve a coordinated ‘Road Map’ for effective Implementation of Environmental Laws in the State. The State Board needs to take initiatives in organising similar stakeholder workshops at regional/district level, besides, awareness campaign by all departments present here in association with communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to push for better implementation of environmental laws. He also emphasised that there is a need to focus on making pollution control & waste management a people’s movement and a way of life by taking the issues, concerns and management options to citizens at the grass-root level.
Apoorv Devgan (IAS), Member Secretary of the State Board in his welcome address outlined the objectives of the workshop ‘Samanvay -2021’ and pointed out that environmental regulations cast explicit duties of Industries, Urban Local Bodies, Health Care Institutions, District Administration, Government and Regulator. Therefore, coordinated efforts are must for achieving desired improvement in quality of environment and effective implementation of environmental laws. He also asserted that there will be no laxity in enforcement of environmental laws and violations, if any, shall be dealt strictly.
Experts from the State Board made detailed presentations on each subject matter of pollution control being regulated under various Acts/Rules and highlighted gaps in implementation of various provisions thereof.
The key speakers for the day included Dr. Sharawan Kumar, Er. Chandan Singh, Sanjeev Sharma, Er. Kusum Singh, Dr. Praveen Sharma, Er. Chandan Singh, Shashi Shekhar, Dr. Gopal Gautam.