CABINET OKAYS CREATION OF DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE TO CHECK POLLUTION

Chandigarh, December 20, 2017: In order to effectively check the menace of pollution, including that resulting from stubble burning, the Punjab Cabinet today approved the creation of Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.

The move will also help strengthen the system of environmental clearances given to industries, thus bringing greater accountability into the process.

The proposed Directorate will address issues related to Biotechnology/Biodiversity, and implementation of research/recommendations of Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), besides ensuring clean, green and pollution-free environment.

Giving details of the cabinet decision, taken under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, an official spokesperson said the Directorate would be set up in the Department of Science, Technology & 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. 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 Government of India, State Government Departments, Deputy Commissioners, industry, investors, farmers, citizens and media.