“We need to use natural resources efficiently"

The uncontrolled use of natural resources and high profile lifestyles are main reasons for high carbon emissions and other pollutant emissions causing widespread environmental degradation including climate change. We need to resolve to optimise our use of natural resources in efficient manner for protection of our environment.

The 'in' thing when it comes to issues of concern these days is climate change and global warming.  We are trying to come out with an action plan. There is a need for the state of Maharashtra to come out with a state-specific plan and we have asked all departments to contribute their suggestions.

We want to incorporate the action plan into the directives of all the departments. Our job is to co-ordinate the efforts of different departments but often we find that even the agencies that are expected to do tasks come back and ask us to do it. Everyone should understand that preserving the environment is beyond all these things. Each department should have its own directives instead of us providing rules to them.

Our state is doing well in terms of environment control. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is among the best Boards in India, its website has been appreciated by the central Government. Maharashtra is the only state with a river water quality policy, the
Ban Plastic Act…

MPCB has already conducted a detailed study for capacity development for infrastructure and manpower strengthening. The Board has considered all necessary requirements including manpower increase and the proposal is under active considerations of State government.

MPCB has put the concerned processes on its website and delegated to such a level that they can be done in a month. They are categorised and sub-delegated to such a large extent that on-line monitoring can be done and people can track the progress on the MPCB website. From air pollution monitoring to noise pollution levels, water quality… it is all put up on the MPCB website. 

MPCB has given maximum emphasis on display of all operation data on MPCB website. Now MPCB website contains all relevant details like application forms, fees procedures, delegation, various reports etc. In addition several dynamic features like consent status tracking, air and water quality, are available on MPCB website. All RO offices are now connected through VPN network and computerisation project id under final stages of implementation.

Before giving environmental clearance for projects, we have made certain norms mandatory such as compulsory afforestation of 30% of the plot area, rainwater harvesting, Sewage/ Effluent Treatment Plants, zero discharge - no effluents should spill out of your compound, using energy efficient devices… this way the pressure on water supply goes down.

In many societies, facilities are maintained after the builder hands over the charge. Now we have made it compulsory for the developer to create a corpus that can take care of the operating costs for three years. All these things are built into the environment clearance forms.

We are trying to make everything green. About 38% of our sewerage is treated; the remainder causes maximum water pollution and also leads to health issues. We are launching a new program to identify local bodies and over a period of time, ensure that everyone has a STP. We have laws, High Court orders but land is an issue, funding is an issue… hopefully we can achieve this in phases.

There is a need to inculcate civic sense. People have to set an example themselves. Sometimes people call and complain that someone is dumping garbage in their compound, but why don't they approach the local authorities or take action on their own to stop it? Thankfully we have seen that the NGOs are very prompt in taking up such issues.

We don't have any formal disposal facility for electronic waste as yet. These are very toxic materials and current disposal is done in unhealthy, hazardous conditions. We are planning to set up an integrated facility for e-waste disposal along with a resource recovery unit for the computer chips, etc. We have called for the feasibility report.  

We are also starting a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Cell that will explain how to get carbon credits and facilitate the process. The paperwork is almost over. There will be a Think Tank on how to monetise CDM. We will bundle small projects together and send them.

We are focusing a lot on public awareness; we will be launching a campaign on noise pollution. Recently, during Diwali we had done a 'just sparklers' campaign and it really succeeded. Noise pollution levels were much lower. We plan to ultimately do away with crackers altogether.

People should try and minimise the use of natural resources, use them judiciously, we have to save something for our children!
We are trying to promote green buildings by providing a subsidy in property tax. We want to encourage the use of eco-friendly building materials, the UD has to work on it and come out with an environment policy that includes all this.

Valsa R. Nair Singh, I.A.S., Secretary (Environment), Government of Maharashtra; Chairperson, MPCB and Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority, shares initiatives taken to preserve the environment.