Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
MP Satnam Singh Sandhu issues directions to UT officials to address environmental issues on priority
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 24, 2024: A meeting of the Environment Standing Committee was held under the Chairmanship of Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha-cum-Chancellor, Chandigarh University here at Paryavaran Bhawan, Sector 19-B, Chandigarh on Monday.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various departments of Chandigarh Administration including the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioner Office, Forest Department, Police Department, Pollution board and Engineering Department.
During the meeting action-taken reports submitted by various departments of Chandigarh on the basis of issues discussed during the previous meetings of Environment Standing Committee and Administrator’s Advisory Council that took place on 8 August, 2023 and 18 August, 2023 respectively.
Director of Environment, Saurabh Kumar highlighted various environmental issues during the meeting.
Speaking during the meeting, MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, emphasized on preparation of detail action plan (DAP) to address various environmental issues including solid liquid and clinical waste management, harvesting of water and tertiary treated water, strict implementation of ban on polythene/plastic carry bags, impact studies on camps and visits to forest, enhancing the area under plantation on available spaces, national schemes announced by Prime Minister of India, Union Environment Ministers, cleanliness and beautification of the areas falling on the outskirts of Chandigarh.”
He expressed concern on the action taken on the damage caused by the incessant rain last year and directed to ensure requisite measures in wake of monsoon season in the city.
The directions were also given to the heads of different departments for preparation of report and action plan on suggested models which were discussed during ‘G-20 Summit’ in 2023 held in Chandigarh.
He laid emphasis on ensuring national environmental goals such as ecological security, non-fossil fuel base energy, carbon emission, air quality and climate changes must be followed with due diligence by all stakeholders. Sandhu also directed officials to review the environmental ranking parameters fixed by various agencies.
Sandhu also talked about the significance of sensitization of user agencies and residents of Chandigarh and recommended constant reviewing of status of environmental studies being taught in educational institutes as per UGC guidelines. Sandhu also lauded the efforts taken by officials of different departments in combating various environmental issues.