Chandigarh's new environment panel holds first meeting, focuses on pollution control and sustainable practices

Indian Express

04-08-2025

Major environmental challenges in Chandigarh, including air and water pollution, solid and biomedical waste disposal, sewage treatment, were the key issues discussed during the first meeting of the Environment Standing Committee of the Administrator's Advisory Council, Chandigarh, held at Paryavaran Bhawan, Sector 19, on Monday.
The meeting was chaired by Gian Chand Gupta, former speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. The meeting was convened by the Department of Environment, with its Director Saurabh Kumar welcoming the chairman and committee members.
During the session, the committee held wide-ranging discussions on major environmental challenges facing Chandigarh, including air and water pollution, solid and biomedical waste disposal, sewage treatment, management of natural choes, and the ban on single-use plastic. Members explored both short- and long-term measures to improve the city's environmental footprint.
The committee emphasised eco-friendly practices, recommending steps such as rainwater harvesting, installation of recharge wells, and the promotion of energy-efficient technologies across sectors.
Gupta called for identifying gap areas in air, water, and noise pollution, and urged members to recommend concrete, department-specific actions to be reviewed in subsequent meetings. He also underlined the importance of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies, proposing that a city-wide action plan be created in collaboration with schools, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), industries, and market associations.
The committee also proposed using public address systems at traffic lights and roundabouts to spread awareness messages about environmental protection, ensuring broader community participation.
While agreeing that penalties and challans are necessary deterrents for environmental violations, the committee also recommended incentivising positive environmental actions by individuals and groups to encourage sustainable living across all sections of society.
To ensure effective monitoring and on-ground assessment, the chairman instructed the Department of Environment to organise field visits for committee members and concerned officials.
The committee also flagged the urgent need for scientific e-waste management and preventing the discharge of untreated sewage into natural water bodies, calling for strict enforcement of treatment protocols and environmental norms, a UT official said.