Air Pollution
Punjab Government To Create Directorate Of Environment To Check Air Pollution
The Directorate of Environment and Climate Change will keep a tab on industrial air pollution, stubble burning, vehicular emissions and construction projects releasing particular matter in the air
Highlights
- Directorate would work in two divisions - environment and climate change
- Industries will now get quick environmental clearances from government
- It would also keep a tab on the various sources of air pollution in Punjab
Chandigarh: To check air pollution, including from stubble burning, the Punjab Cabinet approved the creation of directorate of environment and climate change in the state, an official spokesperson said. The move will also help strengthen the system of environmental clearances given to industries, thus bringing greater accountability into the process, he said. The proposed directorate will address issues related to biotechnology or biodiversity, and implementation of research or recommendations of the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), besides ensuring clean, green and pollution-free environment, the spokesperson said.
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Giving further details of the cabinet’s decision, taken under chairmanship of chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, an official spokesman said that the directorate would be set up in the department of science, technology and environment and would focus on technical issues to curb pollution risks efficaciously.
The directorate would work in two separate divisions – environment and climate change, which would look after the strategy and policy concerning issues, and pollution control division, to deal with the laws concerning environment issues and strict implementation of pollution laws, he said.
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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in a tweet informed about the creation of Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, which will improve system of granting environmental clearances and improve industrial development.
In another step to check pollution caused by stubble burning & other factors, my cabinet has given go-ahead to creation of Directorate of Environment & Climate Change. This will also improve system of granting environmental clearances and hence promote industrial development.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) December 20, 2017
It would keep tabs on industrial air pollution, stubble burning, vehicular emissions and construction projects releasing particular matter in the air. The department of science, technology and environment will be responsible for chalking out the strategy, policy planning, implementation and coordination with various agencies, including the central and state government departments, deputy commissioners, industry, investors, farmers, citizens and media, he said.
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