Dr. Avnish Jolly, Chandigarh, October 18, 2008 :The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, while releasing the report "State of Environment Chandigarh – 2008" at Punjab Raj Bhavan, here today, advocated the need for changing our attitudes & behavioural pattern in our daily life, with a special focus to protect our environmental heritage, a pre-requisite for harmonious growth & development. "We have to accept certain constraints on our behaviour and develop innovative environment-friendly strategies to make a positive contribution to the future of planet earth and to shape a healthy ambience for future generations", he said.Stressing the need for partnership, with the people to check environmental de-gradation & making environment protection as a people’s movement, General Rodrigues called for adopting a people-centered conservation approach with the participation of all stakeholders, in safeguarding our forests & other natural resources to ensure sustainable and equitable development. He said that the Government, individuals and society as a whole, must work together, to generate awareness about the need of a healthy environment among the people and ensure effective enforcement of various measures and legal provisions to preserve our forest and wildlife. There should be no room of any complacency & violation, of any kind must be tackled firmly.
General Rodrigues further said that the issue of global warning is under debate all over the world and its ill-effects are a matter of serious concern. There is a need for boosting our efforts by incorporating environmental perspectives in each and every programme to highlight the significance of ecology in human life and sensitizing the general public especially children on environment issues. He said that the setting of 120 eco-clubs in different schools of Union territory is a good concept but needs to institutionalized by holding competitions and giving trophies to the best institutions. It will generate competitive spirit among students.
Appreciating the report state of environment Chandigarh – 2008, General Rodrigues emphasized the need of ensuring the implementation of measures detailed in the document. This report highlights that the air quality of Chandigarh is mostly affected by vehicular pollution, which needs to be tackled effectively. It further says that increasing noise level, frequent change in land use pattern in more areas under urbanization, soil erosion, water pollution etc. are also contributing to threaten our environments. It also highlights the multifarious steps being taken by the Administration for protecting our environment which mainly includes the management of solid waste, soil conservation efforts, controlling airport pollution by introducing innovative programmes and also the participation of NGOs, members of teaching community, students and individuals to promote sustainable development.
Senior officers who attended the Report launching ceremony included Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, Mr. Ram Niwas, Home Secretary, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Finance Secretary, Mr. R.K. Rao, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. Ishwar Singh, Conservator Forests, UT.