VIJAYAWADA: Stating that the State government was implementing policies for the protection of the environment, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (PCB) Secretary Vivek Yadav underscored the need for drafting an action plan and creating awareness among the public for effective handling of solid waste generated in households in order to prevent air and water pollution.
Yadav was speaking at the one-day regional training programme for urban local bodies (ULBs) on ‘Effective Implementation of Environmental Conditions in AP Building Rules 2017’ held in the city on Wednesday.
The PCB has sought support of the AP Human Resource Development Institute (APHRDI) to effectively implement the initiative and organise awareness sessions for public, he said, adding that the department accords priority to setting up an agency which monitors implementation of environmental policies.
The PCB will collaborate with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi and training institutes will be set up in Visakhapatnam and Bapatla to train PCB staff in keeping themselves updated on how to effectively address environmental issues, he added.
Meanwhile, the PCB, CSE New Delhi and APHRDI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an ‘Environmental Training Cell’ at Bapatla in Guntur district. APHRDI Director General D Chakrapani said that the department had organised 391 training sessions for 30,000 persons that include civil service aspirants, industrialists, people’s representatives and voluntary organisations. During these sessions, people were informed about their role in protecting the environment and handling waste.
CSE New Delhi Project Director Rajnish Sarin said different courses would be introduced after taking into consideration the geography of the place. Talking in detail about the structure of CSE’s skill development programme, he said the department will also provide technical and financial support for the aspirants.
Extensive training in water conservation, rain water treatment, harvesting, improving ground water levels, maintenance of drainage channels and effective handling of solid waste will be given, he said. APPCB Chif Environmental Engineer M Siva Reddy was also present at the programme.