Punjab Cabinet clears creation of directorate of environment

To check air pollution, including from stubble burning, the Punjab Cabinet today approved the creation of directorate of environment and climate change in the state, an official spokesperson said.
The move will also help strengthen the system of environmental clearances given to industries, thus bringing greater accountability into the process, he said.
The proposed directorate will address issues related to biotechnology or biodiversity, and implementation of research or recommendations of the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), besides ensuring clean, green and pollution-free environment, the spokesperson said.
Giving further details of the cabinet's decision, taken under chairmanship of chief minister Amarinder Singh, an official spokeman said that the directorate would be set up in the department of science, technology and environment and would focus on technical issues to curb pollution risks efficaciously.

The directorate would work in two separate divisions -- environment and climate change, which would look after the strategy and policy concerning issues, and pollution control division, to deal with the laws concerning environment issues and strict implementation of pollution laws, he said.
It would keep tabs on industrial air pollution, stubble burning, vehicular emissions and construction projects releasing particular matter in the air.
The department of science, technology and environment will be responsible for chalking out the strategy, policy planning, implementation and coordination with various agencies, including the central and state government departments, deputy commissioners, industry, investors, farmers, citizens and media, he said.