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Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Himachal: Dam authorities asked to remain on high alert during monsoon season
Director-cum-special secretary, revenue and disaster management DC Rana on Monday directed the dam authorities in the state to remain on high alert during the monsoon season and adhere to established safety standards without fail. He was chairing a high-level virtual meeting to ensure the safety of dam infrastructure during the monsoon season. The senior officers from 23 dam authorities along with officers from the energy department participated in the meeting held to assess the current status of dam safety measures across the state, said officials. The implementation of safety norms in accordance with the Dam Safety Act, 2021, and guidelines issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC) was reviewed in the meeting, said a statement issued here. Special emphasis was laid on maintenance of dam structures, readiness and regular updating of emergency action plans (EAPs) and strengthening coordination among concerned departments for an effective and quick response during extreme weather events. A progress on critical safety components mandated by law, including the installation and operational status of early warning systems such as hooters and voice messaging setups, dam break analysis and the establishment of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) was also reviewed, the statement added. The discussions were also held regarding the availability of I-SAT phones with docking stations in dam control rooms and barrages to ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies. Rana highlighted the importance of robust inter-departmental coordination, real-time data monitoring and prompt dissemination of alerts to people staying downstream. He said that the state government was committed to minimizing disaster risks and safeguarding both lives and property through timely preparedness and strict compliance with safety protocols. Detailed presentations were also made during the meeting on the structural and operational safety status of major dams in the state.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
No small PET water bottles from June 1 in Himachal
To tackle plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices, the Himachal government makes car dustbins mandatory from April 29 and bans small pet bottles from June 1. So come June 1, you will not get polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (up to 500 ml) at Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels or private hotels as well as all indoor official meetings, conferences, and events organised by the government departments, Boards, Corporations and other state government organisations. This happens as the state government officially prohibiting the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (up to 500 ml) in the state and have been directed to adopt sustainable alternatives such as glass bottles, water dispensers/kiosks of steel containers. 'The ban on the use of small PET bottles will come into effect from June 1, 2025, in public interest, allowing government organizations, including HPTDC and private hotels, sufficient time to dispose of existing stock and avoid financial loss,' said Director, Environment, Science and Technology, DC Rana. The state government, keeping in view the environmental concerns, in exercise of powers under sub-section (1) of Section 3-A of the HP Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, has issued a notification prohibiting the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (up to 500 ml) in all indoor official meetings, conferences, and events organized by the government departments, Boards, Corporations and other state government organizations. Rana said, 'This decision has been made keeping in view the widespread use of PET water bottles which has raised significant environmental concerns due to their high potential for littering'. He said, 'This prohibition also applies to HPTDC hotels and private hotels in the state. These entities shall adopt sustainable alternatives such as glass bottles, water dispensers/kiosks of steel containers'. He added that all the government organizations would carry out IEC activities to discourage the use of small plastic PET bottles in the public interest. The state government has also authorized the officials from different departments to compound offences in respect of these prohibited items. The state government has imposed fine of ₹5000 for littering of one time use plastic items, compostable and bio-degradable plastic carry bags, used for serving and consuming food or otherwise, by individual(s) or any institution/commercial establishment (educational institutions, offices, hotels, shops, restaurants, sweetshops, dhabas, temple complexes, industrial establishment, banquet halls etc.) within its premises and on roads, streets, hill slopes, drains, forest areas, public parks, all public places etc. Rana said that the state government has also imposed ban on use of certain non-bio degradable materials and littering of non-biodegradable waste in the state under above mentioned Act to prevent pollution, save and protect environment.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Himachal government prohibits small PET water bottles, littering of non-biodegradable waste
Shimla: Taking note of the environmental concerns, the state govt has issued a notification prohibiting the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles up to 500 ml in all indoor official meetings, conferences, and events organised by the govt departments, boards, corporations, and other state govt organisations. The ban on the use of small PET bottles will come into effect from June 1, allowing govt organisations, including Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and private hotels, sufficient time to dispose of existing stock and avoid financial loss. Director, environment, science and technology, D C Rana said the decision was made keeping in view the widespread use of PET water bottles, which raised significant environmental concerns due to their high potential for littering. These entities shall adopt sustainable alternatives such as glass bottles, water dispensers, or kiosks of steel containers, he added. The state govt has also announced a fine of Rs 5,000 for littering one-time-use plastic items, compostable and biodegradable plastic carry bags, used for serving and consuming food or otherwise, by individuals or any institution or commercial establishment. Rana further said it was directed that all taxi operators, public transport (HRTC), and other public-private transport vehicle owners and drivers would install 'car bins' in their vehicles for waste collection, and the same should be disposed of at designated places. The regional transport officers and motor vehicle inspectors have been directed to pass or register the taxis or transport vehicles only after ensuring the installation of 'car bins', said Rana. He further said the govt has also announced a fine of Rs 1,500 for littering biodegradable material and Rs 10,000 for non-installation of 'garbage bins' in taxis or public transport vehicles, and the order would come into force from April 29 in the entire state. MSID:: 120553129 413 |
