Jammu, Apr 22: Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad today called for strict implementation of ban on polythene carry bags.
 Addressing a function organized to celebrate Earth Day, the Minister directed the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) authorities to enforce anti pollution norms ruthlessly and don’t come under influence from any quarter.
 Altaf said the Government was watching performance of the officers of Board closely, while cautioning the Board for going lenient vis-à-vis ban on polythene despite achieving success in the initial stage of campaign launched against polythene, which he said was appreciated by one and all.
 He said no industry should be allowed to establish unless it installs pollution control devices. He said although the Board has bettered its functioning over the years, yet there is tremendous scope for improvement.
 The Minister stressed on generating awareness on E- waste with focus on urban habitations where E- pollution has started posing threat to the environment. He highlighted the role of media in this pursuit for better results.
 Altaf also released a digest on E-waste, compiled by State Pollution Control Board depicting the present status of management of e-waste and assessment of its generation in J & K.
 The Commissioner Secretary Shantmanu called for roping in all the departments in such functions to increase the ambit of such activities. He appreciated the Board for organizing such programmes while stressing to universalize the scope of such activities. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest R D Tiwari assured to strictly implement Forest policy, which he said is very comprehensive dealing with all aspects of conservation of environment.
 The Chairman, SPCB Lal Chand threw light on E-pollution, saying that unscientific disposal of E- waste leads to harmful impact on health and environment and thus should be managed at various levels so that it can be tapped as a valuable resource for the State.  He appealed the consumers to ensure safe deposition of E-waste.
 The Secretary, SPCB Arun K Tickoo said that E-waste management and handling rules-2010 have been finalized by MOEF and will be published soon. These rules, he said underline the responsibilities of all stake holders in e-waste trade value chain.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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