Patna: In a concerted effort to combat air pollution, the district-level implementation committee convened a meeting on Tuesday under the leadership of District Magistrate Shirshat Kapil Ashok. The gathering, held in the Collectorate’s meeting room, aimed to foster active participation from all stakeholders in controlling ambient air pollution in Patna city.
District Magistrate (DM) Ashok directed officials to approach environmental protection scientifically and with a mission-oriented mindset. The emphasis was on organizing awareness campaigns and sensitization workshops in every village, including educational institutions, to encourage public participation.
Reviewing the works of various departments such as transport, traffic, municipal bodies, road construction, mining, agriculture, and pollution control, the DM stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to reduce air pollution. The action plan outlined by the committee aims to ensure compliance with statutory provisions, thereby contributing to continuous improvements in air quality.
Officials from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board highlighted ongoing campaigns by departments such as Patna Municipal Corporation, Transport, and the Forest Department to enhance the Air Quality Index (AQI). Measures like mist cannon machines, water sprinkling, and mist guns are being employed to control pollution actively.
The District Magistrate issued directives for the regular implementation of the action plan, emphasizing the need for collaboration between departments and agencies. He underscored the significance of stringent measures to enforce environmental standards and regulations.
In the ongoing financial year, over 5.5 lakh saplings have been planted under MNREGA, reflecting the district’s commitment to environmental conservation. The District Transport Officer reported regular actions against polluting vehicles, imposing penalties totaling Rs 1 crore 21 lakh 30 thousand on 1,213 vehicles that failed Pollution Under Control (PUC) tests in 2023 and January 2024.
The DM instructed the District Transport Officer to intensify campaigns for PUC checks and organize workshops to educate drivers on operating vehicles near traffic lights. Additionally, surprise inspections of petrol pumps and awareness campaigns in schools were ordered to enhance environmental sensitivity.
DM Ashok directed concerned agencies, including Patna Metro, Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited, and Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL), to adhere to air pollution control guidelines during construction activities. He stressed the importance of preventive and remedial actions to minimize dust and particulate matter emissions. Construction material should be covered during transportation, and strict adherence to environmental standards by construction companies was emphasized.
Representatives from the Road Construction Department and Building Construction Department were instructed to clear construction materials from roads after project completion. The District Magistrate emphasized the necessity of covering transported construction materials and instructed the District Transport Officer to enforce compliance.
General Manager of the District Industries Center was directed to ensure industry compliance with NGT guidelines for fly ash management and pollution control. Before granting licenses to new industries, a no-objection certificate from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board must be obtained.
The District Magistrate urged the prompt utilization of funds allocated by the 15th Finance Commission under the pollution head, with a requirement for an immediate submission of utilization certificates.
DM Ashok emphasized the collective responsibility to implement both short-term and long-term measures for pollution control in the public interest. Sensitivity towards environmental protection remains paramount for the success of these initiatives.
