IEP Chandigarh, June 27
The Chairman of the National Green Tribunal, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, highlighted the significance of the District Environment Plan (DEP) as a strategic document designed to address environmental issues and promote sustainable development. While inaugurating a one-day training programme on the implementation of District Environment Plans held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration in Gurugram, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel emphasized the role of DEPs in integrating environmental considerations into various developmental activities at the district level.Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel emphasized that DEPs follow a participatory approach, fostering collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and community representatives. These plans adhere to national and state-level environmental policies and guidelines, ensuring alignment with broader environmental objectives.An essential component of the DEP, is conducting an environmental assessment, which involves analyzing existing environmental conditions, identifying key challenges specific to the district, and assessing potential impacts resulting from developmental activities. This assessment provides the foundation for setting goals and objectives that address the identified environmental issues and promote sustainable development within the district.Furthermore, Justice Goel said that DEPs outline specific action plans aimed at achieving established goals and objectives. These action plans encompass measures for pollution control, waste management, conservation of natural resources, promotion of renewable energy, and environmental education and awareness. By integrating these actions into decision-making processes, DEPs ensure that environmental considerations receive due importance and become integrated across various sectors and activities within the district.Justice Goel also stressed the importance of establishing a robust institutional framework within the District Environment Plan. This framework identifies responsible agencies, coordination mechanisms, and the roles of different stakeholders involved in the implementation and monitoring of the DEP. Clear lines of responsibility are established, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among various entities to achieve the desired environmental outcomes.To track progress and effectiveness, Justice Goel emphasized the need for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the DEP. These mechanisms enable continuous improvement, ensuring that the DEP remains responsive to evolving environmental challenges and the priorities of the district.Justice Goel further highlighted the alarming state of our environment, emphasizing the need for conservation and protection. He stated that human activities have posed a significant threat to the environment, impacting not only other forms of life but also our own. Recognizing this, various environmental protection programmes are being implemented at individual, organizational, and government levels, aiming to establish a balance between humans and the environment.The District Environment Plan serves as a crucial tool in this endeavour, enabling the creation of sustainable development practices and fostering a harmonious relationship between mankind and the environment, he added.Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, 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.Â
