Himachal Pradesh: HP Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday announced to launch a scheme to buy back non-recyclable polythene at a fixed price in the state. He also launched environment-friendly bags made by the Department of Environmental Science and Technology.
The Chief Minister was presiding over the State Environment Leadership Awards 2018-19, prize distribution function organized here jointly by the Department of Environment, Science & Technology, HP Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE), HP State Pollution Control Board and Education Department to celebrate World Environment Day.
Congratulating people on World Environment Day, the Chief Minister appreciated the support given by them in ensuring effective ban on plastic in the state.He also launched WaPIS (Water Purification Invigorative Scheme) under which 38 types of plant species have been identified to treat waste water in river streams. This project will be implemented in Sukhna rivulet in Parwanoo, Markanda river in Kala Amb and Sirsa river in Baddi, all located in state’s main industrial hub in Solan district.
The Chief Minister said that India is a country of saints and sages who gained wisdom amidst clean and safe environment. He said. “We have achieved remarkable development over the years but it has come at the cost of environment degradation. There are many challenges in the state today and we have to contemplate on priority to avoid further harm to the nature.”
Since, Himachal Pradesh is known for its natural grandeur and tourists from far-off places visit various parts of the state and it becomes our responsibility to provide them best facilities besides maintaining a healthy environment, he said.He also urged the people to supplement the efforts of the government in environment protection and maintaining cleanliness.
Thakur also flagged off awareness rallies on the occasion in which around 600 students from 30 schools of the town participated. He also unveiled the book “compilation of best practices on environmental Excellence” besides other awareness material.