हिंदी
Association organizes first of its kind seminar on Pollution and Urban Planning in NCR
Such seminars not only bring together the administrative wing and subject experts to share their expertise but also enterprises the spirit to collectively brainstorm innovative solutions, Chief Secretary
Dr. M.M. Kutty lauds Haryana for curbing stubble burning, implementing Mera Pani Meri Virasat
Chandigarh, April, 2: In a novel attempt to have a better understanding of pollution and its associated impact on Urban Planning in NCR, the Haryana IAS Officers Association today brought Experts, Academicians, and the Administrative Wing of the State Government together on a single platform to share their ideas and opinions during a first of its kind seminar and open discussion on ‘Pollution and Urban Planning issues in NCR’ held here today.
Welcoming the dignitaries who attended the seminar, the Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal who is also the Association President said that these seminars not only provide a golden opportunity of bringing together the administrative wing and these experts to share their expertise but it also enterprises the spirit to collectively brainstorm innovative solutions.
“Post-COVID, today’s seminar becomes more important as for almost two years virtual mode has remained key communication mode for us. Hence, I am sure that such seminars would certainly prove to be millstones in having a better understanding of the role of governance in a changing milieu with a special focus on bringing together pioneering minds” he added.
The seminar which was organized at the Art college auditorium in sector 10 Chandigarh, saw the participation of renowned speakers and experts including the Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management in the National capital Region and Adjoining areas, Dr M.M. Kutty, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao and Former Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Professor, Sh. Jagan Shah and the Association Members.
The seminar which was organized at the Art college auditorium in sector 10 Chandigarh, saw the participation of renowned speakers and experts including the Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management in the National capital Region and Adjoining areas, Dr M.M. Kutty, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao and Former Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Professor, Sh. Jagan Shah and the Association Members.
Speaking about the seminar topic, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal said that undoubtedly the topic is quite challenging and is quite interesting for all the officers.
“I hope that ample practical knowledge shared by subject experts will certainly help the officers in better implementation and formulation of plans and strategies to tackle this global issue,” asserted Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal.
Dr. M.M. Kutty lauds Haryana’s Stubble Burning efforts
Meanwhile, lauding the efforts of the Haryana Government to curb stubble burning, Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management in the National capital Region and Adjoining areas, Dr. M.M. Kutty, said that the State has shown a significant process in controlling stubble burning and hoped that Haryana would continue its pace to resolve this issue.
He also praised the State Government’s innovative Mera Pani Meri Virasat scheme adopted for crop diversification and asked the officers to ensure the wide extension of this scheme aimed toward crop diversification.
“A mass awareness campaign along with extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities should be launched to create awareness and disseminate information about stubble burning and other steps required to bring down the increasing pollution levels,” said Dr M.M. Kutty.
He also lauded Haryana for launching an extensive plantation drive to maintain Air Quality Index.
“2G ethanol plant being set up by Haryana Government in Panipat would certainly prove the pioneering step in controlling stubble burning,” he added.
Delivering his keynote, he also elaborated on various pivotal aspects that the officers need to emphasize before formulating the strategies to tackle increasing pollution levels. He also gave a detailed presentation on eight parameters of the Air Quality Index, Industrial, Vehicle Pollution etc.
During the open discussion session, Dr. M.M Kutty advised the officers to lay more focus on conducting more studies on identifying the major source of pollution. Research and Study is a continuous process, he added.
Ensure meticulous implementation of district environment plans, P. Raghavendra Rao
Addressing the officers, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao talked about the governance aspects of tackling the pollution issue.
“Young officers play a pivotal role in chalking out the strategies, rules and regulations related to Air Quality. Therefore consent management becomes a significant area for every officer” he added.
“Every officer has to ensure meticulous implementation of district environment plans, advised Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao.
Director National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Professor, Sh. Jagan Shah gave an elaborated presentation on Air Quality and Health impacts and Transit-Oriented Development.
Giving a vote of thanks, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister-cum- Association Secretary, Dr. Amit Agrawal said today’s seminar was an enlightening one as it saw several fruitful discussion sessions.
“Considering that almost 57 per cent of Haryana falls in NCR, I feel that this seminar would play a pivotal role in helping the officers to chalk out superior strategies to tackle this issue,” he added.
He further said that after the detailed discussions held in the seminar on stubble management, it has been felt that more focus should be laid on adopting a multi-prolonged strategy throughout the year for the same.
“We look forward to more such seminars for having a better understanding of pivotal issues, he added.
Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department of Haryana, cum- Senior Vice President, Haryana IAS Officers Association, Sh. PK Das, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister-cum- Association Secretary, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Treasurer, Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik along with Association members attended the seminar.
