District Environment Committee Meeting: Collector Affirms Commitment to Environmental Protection

Udaipur. The district administration is committed to environmental protection, and strict measures will be taken to prevent single-use plastics, including imposing fines to discourage their use. These statements were made by District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal during the District Environment Committee meeting held in the mini auditorium of the Collectorate. He emphasized that action should also be taken against distributors of single-use plastics and instructed the relevant departments to implement effective measures within the next two to three days.

The Collector reviewed the progress of directives given in the previous meeting and inquired about the planting of trees in various dumping yards, providing necessary instructions for their maintenance. He also stressed the importance of cleanliness at tourist sites and checked the implementation of directives regarding placing awareness stickers in designated areas.

**Cleaning of Lakes:**
During the meeting, Collector Poswal addressed the issue of debris such as coconuts, clothing, and images that had accumulated in lakes during recent festivals. He instructed the formation of a team for effective cleaning. Additionally, he directed the Forest Department to replace the damaged railings on the route to the famous tourist site, Neemach Mata, with iron railings. He urged officials from the Forest Department, Devasthan Department, and UDA to explore possibilities for expanding the Neemach Mata temple complex and to present a detailed proposal.

**Awareness Campaigns:**
Considering the rising pollution due to plastic, the Collector instructed the implementation of awareness campaigns in schools about the impacts of polythene and plastics. He also emphasized the need for check dams to prevent marble slurry from flowing into the Big Madar pond and highlighted the importance of ensuring that polluted water does not enter the city’s lakes.

**Compliance with Biomedical Waste Disposal Regulations:**
During the meeting, Collector Poswal sought information from officials about actions taken by the transport department regarding pollution caused by vehicles. He also instructed effective measures against unfit vehicles and those over 15 years old. Furthermore, he directed that notices be issued to clinics and hospitals that are not complying with biomedical waste disposal regulations.

**Discussion on Eco-Sensitive Zones:**
The meeting included discussions about illegal cutting of hills near the city and actions taken regarding construction approvals in eco-sensitive zones. The Collector reiterated that no construction approvals should be granted in sensitive areas. He also inquired about the actions being taken by various departments to prevent seasonal diseases.

Additional discussions focused on pollution in the reservoir at Baghdada Sanctuary, the upcoming deployment of e-rickshaws by the municipal corporation, and increasing noise pollution, among other environmental topics. Present at the meeting were Municipal Commissioner Ramprakash, UDA Commissioner Rahul Jain, Deputy Conservator of Forests Ajay Chittoda, along with environment committee members and officials from relevant departments.