Maharashtra Plans Science-based Environment Policy
MUMBAI, INDIA - A two-day Conference on Pathway Towards Formulation of Science-based Environment Policy for the State of Maharashtra was organised by World Trade Centre Mumbai marking Earth Day on April 20-21, 2016. The Conference was organized by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Department of Environment, Government of Maharashtra, Technogreen Environment Solutions and World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai at WTC Complex.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He said, “Maharashtra government is ambitiously moving towards an efficient and transparent administrative regime to address environmental pollution and I am very happy to inaugurate the State Environment Care Centre, which is the first of its kind in Maharashtra. The Centre is an online mechanism to monitor environment pollution in the state and provides alerts to industrial units that exceed their emission limits. We should leverage IT infrastructure of the state administration and create a science-based environment policy. Harmonious co-existence of man and nature is the pre-requisite of a sustainable planet and my government would take all measures to attain it.”
Mr. Fadnavis also informed that the state government has so far made over 140 administrative services (including environmental services) online and by October 2, 2016, the number would rise to 250.
Mr. Ramdas Kadam, Minister of Environment, Government of Maharashtra, said the state government introduced online system for application of license renewal by the industry.
Ms. Malini Shankar, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Government of Maharashtra said her ministry has already made industrial renewal application online and soon it would also make the processing of application online. As a move to improve the ease of doing business, the state environment ministry has extended the period of renewal of industrial license for industries (except for some critical industries). The science-based and evidence-based environment policy is being done with the help of a robust database. The government is taking efforts to map all the water bodies in Maharashtra.
Dr. P. Anbalagan, Member Secretary, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board said the state government aims to draft a science-based environment policy by involving all the stakeholders including citizens in the policy making process. Consequently, the state government would introduce a mobile-based application where citizens can offer suggestions and knowledge inputs for the proposed policy.”
Ms. Rupa Naik, Director-Projects, WTC Mumbai said,“Strong environmental values and a firm commitment to sustainable development should be inculcated among each one of us. Creating awareness on zero wastage, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, saving electricity, ensuring cracker-free and chemical free colours during festivals are pre-requisites for a green planet. Each and every one of us can change the way we live to make the whole world and the environment a happy planet.”
PHOTO (L-R): Ms. Rupa Naik, Director-Projects, WTC Mumbai and Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra at the Conference.
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