IEP Chandigarh, June 27
The Haryana Government is taking significant strides towards ensuring the scientific handling and disposal of municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, biomedical waste, and enforcing a ban on single-use plastics in the state. This was stated by the Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, during a one-day training programme focusing on the implementation of District Environment Plans held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurugram today.The training programme was inaugurated by the Chairman of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel. Dr. M M Kutty, Chairperson of CAQM, Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Former Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Mr. P. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman of HSPCB, and Mrs. Chandralekha Mukherjee, Director General of HIPA were also present during the training programme.Mr. Kaushal said that as per the directives of the NGT, all Deputy Commissioners of the state have been sensitized to prepare District Environment Plans, which encompass various thematic areas such as solid waste management, air quality, industrial wastewater treatment, water quality, mining activity and noise pollution. The plans will be uploaded on the Environment Department’s website. These comprehensive plans will play a vital role in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring compliance with environmental norms, thus contributing to sustainable development and progress of the state, he added.To ensure the efficient utilization of environment compensation funds collected from violating units, a high-powered committee has been constituted which will undertake environment restoration activities as outlined in the District Environment Plans, he added.While expressing his confidence in the dedication and commitment of all the Deputy Commissioners and senior district-level officers present at the training programme, he encouraged the officers to approach the programme with utmost seriousness, as the lectures and sessions covering various environment-related topics will equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement the identified activities in the District Environment Plan.Furthermore, Mr. Kaushal urged all Deputy Commissioners to share their best practices, seek clarification on any doubts, and provide valuable suggestions during the technical sessions. The experts present on the occasion interacted with the officers to address their queries and enhance their understanding.Mr. Kaushal further said that Haryana Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development. By implementing the District Environment Plans and working collaboratively, we can create a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for our state, he added.
