May 2, 2010  

The entire Himalayan region holds the key to the country's ecological balance. This has led the environmentalists to show their concern for the protection of fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan region. Himachal Pradesh has taken a lead in the country by taking some farsighted steps to save the environment from degradation and pollution. Holding a conclave of Himalayan Chief Ministers, coming out with Shimla Declaration on Sustainable Himalayan Development and launching of environment protection campaigns are some of the notable steps taken by the Himachal Pradesh. Carrying forward its commitment for sustained efforts in conservation of environment, the second phase of 'Polythene Hatao-Paryavaran Bachao' campaign has been launched recently on Earth Day. The small hilly State has earned the distinction of being a trendsetter in development issues. Now the State has emerged as a pioneer in Asia to use plastic in construction of roads. 

The Government has also decided to start a 'Green Journalism Award' to encourage reporting on environment related issues. This decision would certainly go a long way in creating awareness among every segment of the society.

The State Government has ensured public participation at all levels in environment protection campaign and has made it a mass movement. The first phase of 'Polythene Hatao-Paryavaran Bachao' launched in December last year got overwhelming response from the people of the State. It was due to the participation of the masses that polythene bag, which had almost become part and parcel of daily lives has been discarded by the people in the State. Furthermore, cleaning the hills of the plastic waste quantum was a massive task which couldn't have been accomplished but for the support from every section of the society.

A buy back scheme for plastic waste from urban local bodies would soon be started in the State. The plastic waste would be bought at Rs 3 per Kg and an additional rupee would be given as handling charges. The rag pickers would thus be keen to segregate the plastic waste for recycling purposes. The State Government would be providing fiscal incentives to panchayats, urban bodies and individuals for contributing towards proper collection of waste plastic in their respective areas.

Out of 1200 to 1500 tonnes of solid waste collected during the first phase of campaign, 50 to 60 tonnes contained plastic waste which would be used in the mettling of roads. Apart from using the shredded plastic in the construction of roads, Cement plants are also being motivated to integrate solid waste management mechanism into their plants to generate electricity. Cement kilns at ACC Barmana and Ambuja Cements, Darlaghat have already started co- processing of plastic waste. The hotels and resorts would also be encouraged to adopt eco-friendly infrastructural facilities to cater to the requirements of their guests and rating of all such hotels and resorts would be carried by the concerned authorities. To discourage the chewing of tobacco and thus cut on the resultant litter, the State Government is contemplating a ban on the throwing of tobacco sachets at public places.

To ensure the maximum involvement of the District Administration and others in the environment protection campaign they are being rewarded for doing good work. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal awarded running trophy to joint winner districts of Shimla and Kangra who also shared a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each on the occasion of Earth Day. Second prize went to District Una which got a citation and a trophy and the third prize was shared by Bilaspur and Chamba districts. Special award for collection of quantum waste was awarded to Solan district. Municipal Committee Dharamshala bagged the first prize of Rs one lakh, Second prize of Rs 50,000 went to Municipal Committee Chamba and third prize was shared by Municipal Councils of Rohru and Parwanoo.

Himachal Pradesh is also making headway in becoming the First Carbon Neutral State in the country by observing zero tolerance for anti-environment activities. The waste paper recycling unit set up in HP Secretariat had been a successful experiment. Similarly, the State Government would be setting up waste paper recycling units in every district headquarter to get the official waste paper recycled and manufacture hand made file covers for use in the offices.

Himachal Pradesh being a favourite tourist destination, it becomes all the more important to bring about an environment consciousness among the visitors, along with the locals. For this purpose, the Environment and Pollution Control Department would print literature of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ to be distributed at the entry points. The same literature would also be distributed to every educational institution so that the students are motivated to conserve mother earth. These pragmatic steps taken by the State Government would certainly pave the way in making ‘Himachal Clean Green and Polythene Free’.

photograph is also available on website.