- Stress on Promoting rain water harvesting in Municipal areas, Afforestation and Swachhta
DODA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda Vishesh Mahajan, who is also Chairman of District Environmental Committee, today chaired a meeting of the Committee to discuss implementation of Environment Conservation Plan in the district.
The plan aims to safeguard the district's natural resources and promote sustainable practices. The DC stressed the importance of provision of rainwater harvesting in all buildings, stating that no building permissions would be granted within municipal areas without such provisions. The EOs of all the three MCs were asked to submit action taken reports and details in this regard by 10th of July 2023.
The Committee reviewed the implementation of previous directives and guidelines. Stakeholders have already submitted their annual plans in accordance with the revised guidelines of the National Green Tribunal, which shall be uploaded on the designated portal by the 5th of July.
Special training has been imparted to a designated Sub-Committee to upload the Plan on the portal. To promote environmental consciousness, the Environment Conservation Day was celebrated on June 5th, the meeting was told. The DC asked to declare weekly, Swachhta and Pani Champions in all the educational institutions to sensitise the youth on environment and water conservation.
These titles will be given to students who actively contribute towards cleanliness and the protection of water resources in their surroundings. Additionally, the EOs (Executive Officers) of the Municipal Councils were instructed to take up City afforestation and protect the existing fauna in their respective jurisdictions.
In rural areas, 105 Waste Segregation Sheds, known as Swachhta Banks, have been established to collect plastic, polythene, and other solid waste. Volunteers who collect waste from these areas will be rewarded with cash incentives. The DC also highlighted the need to identify suitable land, whether state-owned, Kacharie or within forest areas, for the construction of Amrit Sarovars (sacred ponds) to conserve water and encourage the establishment of more water bodies.
Taking serious note of non submission of ATRs by some officers on the decisions made by the Committee in the previous meetings, DC has made it clear that stern action, including imposition of fine and entry in the service record shall be taken against those not submitting ATRs in time henceforth.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Doda, GM DIC Doda, SE (Superintending Engineer) Public Works Department, the ACP (Assistant Commissioner of Panchayat), the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) Bhaderwah, CEO Bhaderwah Development Authority, CMO, CEO, ARTO Doda, EOs of MC Doda, Bhaderwah and Thathri and representatives from other concerned departments.