Patna: A meeting of the District Environment Committee was held on Monday at the Collectorate meeting hall under the chairmanship of Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, District Magistrate of Patna. The meeting focused on reviewing environmental initiatives and strengthening measures for waste management, afforestation, and pollution control.
Gaurav Ojha, Member Secretary of the District Environment Committee and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Patna, presented an agenda-wise report detailing ongoing efforts in the district.
Dr Singh highlighted the progress made in solid waste management in Patna’s rural areas, where door-to-door collection systems and waste processing plants have been established. He noted similar improvements in municipal waste management and praised the Forest Department’s ongoing tree plantation drives in office premises and public spaces. He directed officials to submit proposals to the District Forest Officer for further afforestation efforts.
Addressing biomedical waste management, Dr Singh instructed the Civil Surgeon of Patna to ensure strict adherence to waste disposal protocols in line with environmental standards. He directed the formation of an inspection team to assess health institutions and pathological labs, warning of legal action and financial penalties for any violations.
The District Industries Centre was urged to intensify efforts in fly ash management, while the Mineral Development Officer was instructed to encourage environment-friendly mining practices.
State Environment Task Force Meeting
Another meeting of the District Environment Task Force was held under the chairmanship of Dr Singh to address broader environmental concerns, including illegal tree felling, unauthorized mining, and compensation for damage caused by wild animals.
In his report, Patna DFO Gaurav Ojha, outlined key challenges and the necessary actions being taken. Discussions covered the culling of pest horseflies and wild boars, enforcement of the ban on single-use plastic, and implementation of the District Environment Plan.
Dr Singh emphasized that strict penalties should be imposed on violators of the plastic ban, directing all municipal executive officers to confiscate materials and levy fines as per regulations. The General Manager of the District Industries Centre was instructed to prevent the manufacture and storage of banned plastic products.
Additionally, the Forest Department is fencing the JP Ganga Path from Digha to Sabhyata Dwar, with tree plantation and beautification projects being carried out by various departments.
Farmers affected by crop damage due to wild animals were informed that they can apply for compensation through the District Forest Officer, with assistance provided as per government procedures. Instructions were also issued to follow proper guidelines for the culling of pest horseflies and wild boars, with the District Panchayati Raj Officer tasked with verifying applications under the supervision of the Deputy Development Commissioner, Patna.
Dr Singh reiterated the importance of mission-mode implementation for environmental protection, stressing that inter-departmental coordination and proactive measures were essential for achieving long-term sustainability.
