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Minister of Environment of Forests Thiru A. Raja said that the data collected by the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), SPCBs (State Pollution Control Boards) and other agencies by way of air and water quality monitoring should be made available to the public without any delay.
Inaugurating the meeting of Chairmen and Member Secretaries of Pollution Control Boards/Committees here today, Thiru Raja also stressed the need for protecting drinking water sources particularly by way of keeping a close watch on all polluting sources.
“Considering the incidence of water borne diseases in our country, it is of paramount importance to protect drinking water sources particularly by way of keeping a close watch on all polluting sources”, he said.
Observing that awareness about environmental issues has grown and also manifested in the spate of public interest litigations seeking affirmative executive action, the Minister pointed out that “courts, have often observed that the enforcement machinery has been wanting in resolve and action”, while adding that “it is clear that the Centre, States and Union Territories have to work together very closely for strengthening the institutional capabilities for pollution control”. Thiru Raja further stated that common industrial infrastructure in the form of common effluent treatment plants, treatment, storage and disposal facilities for hazardous wastes are being set up with support from Central/State Governments. “Considering that the common facilities cater to the requirements of small scale industries that cannot afford treatment facilities of their own and that substantial Government funds have been invested in such facilities, it is necessary to ensure that these facilities are operated in such a manner as to meet the prescribed norms”, he emphasised. “CPCB/SPCBs should regularly inspect these common facilities, assess their performance and provide technical advice for improving their performance wherever required. In addition, monitoring of sewage treatment plants and common bio-medical treatment facilities should also figure in the regular inspection programme of the Central Board / State Boards”, the Minister added.
Observing that public awareness programmes, especially by way of vigorous campaigning in schools have helped in mitigating noise pollution problems during Deepawali, Thiru Raja said that CPCB/SPCBs should regularly collect and test samples from fire cracker manufactures in order to ensure that only crackers meeting prescribed noise standards reach the markets. Stating that CPCB has come out with comprehensive emission and noise standards for various generator sets and engines, the Minister stressed that these standards should be enforced strictly in order to reduce noise and air pollution in urban areas.
AKS/rs
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