Bihar Environment Minister Reviews Pollution Control Efforts, Stresses Tougher Enforcement

Patna: Bihar’s efforts to combat pollution received a renewed push as Dr. Sunil Kumar, the state’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, reviewed the activities of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) on Wednesday. The review meeting, held at the Board’s headquarters, comes as the institution marks its fiftieth year since its formation under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

During the meeting, BSPCB Chairman Dr. D.K. Shukla provided a comprehensive update on the Board’s initiatives. He highlighted the ongoing monitoring of the Ganga and its tributaries, with regular water sampling to assess pollution levels. The Board also operates 35 continuous ambient air quality monitoring centres across 23 districts in Bihar, tracking air pollution levels in real-time.

“The Board has been consistently working towards a cleaner environment,” Dr. Shukla said, noting that air and water quality monitoring remains a key focus.

Minister Sunil Kumar commended the Board’s work but emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures. He urged officials to enhance their efforts to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Member Secretary Neeraj Narayan reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to rigorous enforcement of pollution control laws, expressing gratitude for the minister’s guidance.