Srinagar, Aug 7: The Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) organized a workshop on “Environmental and Social Safeguard measures in infrastructure projects” here on Saturday.
 According to ERA communiqué, the workshop was organized as part of capacity building component of Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Multi sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR). “The main objective was to sensitize the employees especially field staff about social and environmental safeguard policies of the ADB and also about various state and central laws on environment and rehabilitation.”
 Director Central, ERA Khalid Muzaffar said the resettlement and environmental plans were an integral part of any infrastructure project planning process. “Meticulously prepared resettlement or environmental plan is pivotal for smooth execution of infrastructure projects,” he added.
 ADB Social Safeguard Specialist (INRM), Ramesh Swarnakar made presentation on safeguard policies of the ADB and latest amendments that have been made to the policy.
 Commenting on his review of Kashmir projects, Swarankar appreciated the manner in which R&R issues had been documented and implemented by ERA.
 “Short documentary on Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy (R&R) was also shown to the participants,” the communiqué said.
 ADB Environmental Officer, Girish Mahajan in his presentation briefed the participants about the importance of environmental safeguard measures in the infrastructure projects to minimize costs to the environment.
 Presenting vote of thanks, Director Safeguard, ERA Sandeep Kujur hailed the participants for attending the workshop.
 Workshop was also attended by Director Urban, ERA, Director Transport/Central, all the Project Managers of ERA besides social and resettlement staff, field engineers, the communiqué added.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 7 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 7 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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