Tag: AITC

West Bengal Biodiversity Board: Ensuring preservation of the State’s flora

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on West Bengal Biodiversity Board: Ensuring preservation of the State’s flora

The West Bengal Biodiversity Board (WBBB) has three primary objectives: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the biodiversity, in addition to establishment of proprietary rights and restraining bio-piracy.

Some of the major achievements of WBBB are as follows:

  • Facilitating constitution of 350 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at block, municipality and municipal corporation levels; more are in the offing
  • Through the BMCs, constitution of 120 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) for documentation of biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge and practices; more are being constituted
  • Documentation of traditional rice varieties (TRV) and registering them in the names of farmers’ communities; so far, 110 TRVs have been documented, of which 12 have been registered 51 have been applied for
  • Awareness generation programmes, including seminars, nature studies and field training, and special ‘bio tours’ for school students
  • Bringing commercial establishments accessing bio-resources from the State under the purview of ‘Access and Benefit Sharing’ of the Biological Diversity Act; so far, 100 commercial establishments brought under purview, and 15 of the shared benefits, amounting to Rs 13,39,193, accumulated in the Biodiversity Fund of the State Government
  • Publications: 10 field guide books in Bengali, Tradable Bioresources of West Bengal, three People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) preparation manuals in BengaliSource: Departmental Budget

West Bengal Pollution Control Board: Setting higher standards for a better environment

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on West Bengal Pollution Control Board: Setting higher standards for a better environment

The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) is a statutory regulatory authority of the Bengal Government. It is responsible for setting standards and monitoring pollution levels and taking steps as and when required.

Among its responsibilities, functions and activities are:

  • Monitoring and control of industrial effluents and emissions
  • Management of wastes in coordination with urban local bodies
  • Installation of online effluent quality monitoring system at 42 grossly polluting industrial units
  • Control of vehicular tail pipe permission, especially in Kolkata, by working in collaboration with the State Transport Department and Kolkata Traffic Police
  • Provision of e-rickshaws in rural areas
  • Installation of rainwater harvesting structures in 32 schools and solar panels on the roofs of 200 schools
  • Creation of environmental awareness programmes on World Environment Day, organising rallies, cultural programmes and training programmes, reclamation and beautification of waterbodies and parks, distribution of non-toxic colours to idol-makers participating in various fairs, etc.
  • Effective use of the fly ash generated in thermal power plants
  • Provision of solid waste management units in rural areas

These and other measures being taken by WBPCB are resulting in the improvement of all aspects of the environment of the State.

Source: Departmental Budget

 

Environment Department: Working towards a more livable future

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Environment Department: Working towards a more livable future

The scope of work of the Environment Department is very wide, exhaustive and challenging. The wings of the department work in close coordination to fulfil the commitment of the Bengal Government towards its people for a clean and more livable environment – be it in terms of air, water, noise or several other aspects.

For effective control of pollution, a number of steps, measures and policies have been initiated by the Environment Department which include stringent regulations, development and periodical revision of environment standards, control of vehicular pollution, control of air and water pollution, abatement and prevention of noise pollution, revisiting and revision of the list of critically polluted areas and their environment improvement plans, etc.

The department has been funding research projects through grants-in-aid both to its parastatals like West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), West Bengal Biodiversity Board (WBBB), East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) and Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IES&WM), and also to some research institutions.

Some of the salient points regarding the working of the Environment Department:

  • WBPCB is constantly monitoring and taking suitable measures for improving air quality and reducing water body pollution.
  • An online system of WBPCB’s consent administration has been developed for transparency. All monitoring data can now be accessed from the board’s website. The consent administration has also been simplified.
  • The ‘consent to operate’ periods have been increased: from two years to five years for Red Category Industries, from three years to five years for Orange Category Industries and from five years to seven years for Green Category Industries. A new White Category has been introduced which only requires the relevant industries to give information to the WBPCB and is exempt from ‘consent’ administration.
  • The State Action Plan for climate change is being amended to strengthen the plan, introduce mitigation measures in addition to adaptation measures and bring it in line with the latest developments in various fields.
  • Actions on conservation of biodiversity, preparing a comprehensive register and promoting conservation have been accelerated.
  • A lot of work has been done for restoration and beautification of many waterbodies.
  • More emphasis has been laid on organising awareness activities to spread environment education among all sections of society and mobilising people’s participation for preservation and conservation of environment.

Source: Departmental Budget

Protection of wetlands and coastal zones in Bengal

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Protection of wetlands and coastal zones in Bengal

East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) and Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM) are two agencies under the Environment Department. They carry out protection work for the wetlands in eastern Kolkata and research in management and conservation of wetlands across the State and coastal zones, respectively.

East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA)

EKWMA has the responsibility of managing the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW).

The East Kolkata Wetlands are situated along the eastern fringes of Kolkata. It contains a number of shallow fish ponds, agricultural fields and villages.

It is one of the most important Ramsar sites of the country, a designation implying the EKW as a ‘Wetland of International Importance’.

The wetlands possess the unique natural facility of waste water purification for the entire metropolis of Kolkata, the only Ramsar site in the world with such a function.

The wetlands are also a major source of food for the fish and other aquatic creatures inhabiting there, which in turn provide livelihood to a lot of people.

Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM)

IESWM carries out research on wetlands and coastal zones of Bengal as well as of other parts of the country.

It houses the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) of the World Bank, which aids the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project.

The Coastal Zone Management Plan of Bengal is being prepared as part of the project. As a result of the project, which is nearing completion, significant achievements have been made, like improvement of civic infrastructure and beach amenities in Digha, 100 per cent electrification of Sagar Island (where the famous Sagar Mela is held annually), livelihood enhancement through self-help groups (SHG), 25 cyclone shelters and eco-tourism activities.

The institute is also one of the eight authorised agencies in the country for the preparation of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) maps, which are referred to for getting the mandatory CRZ clearance for coastal projects. It has also prepared CRZ maps for the Central Government organisations, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Kolkata Port Trust (Haldia and Diamond Harbour sites).

Together, these two institutes have been doing a lot of significant work for various aspects of the environment of Bengal, and in the case of the latter, India too.

Source: Departmental Budget

Sabuj Sathi – Symbol of empowerment of students in Bengal

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Sabuj Sathi – Symbol of empowerment of students in Bengal

During one of her district tours in 2015, a young boy had asked West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjee: “I study in school; you have started the Kanyashree scholarship for girls, why is there no scheme for boys?”

This had planted a seed in her head. The thought has at last led to a happy conclusion: ‘Sabuj Sathi’ – a project wherein students of classes IX to XII are given bicycles by the State Government.

This beautiful name for the project came to the Chief Minister’s mind while on her way from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport. The rain-drenched sylvan mountains piqued her creativity; she began penning poems for children. Thus was born the name ‘Sabuj Sathi’ – ‘Sabuj’, the word for ‘green’ or environment-friendly and ‘Sathi’ means ‘companion’, hence ‘Sabuj Sathi’ or ‘environemnt-friendly companion.’

The Chief Minister has created the logo for the project as well. It consists of a young boy running, with two spinning bicycle wheels alongside his legs. 70 lakh cycles have been distributed so far. The scheme also bagged an award for e-governance from the Centre.

For more details, visit the website for the scheme.

Bengal CM slams Centre over LPG price hike

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Bengal CM slams Centre over LPG price hike

Coming down heavily on the BJP, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said the soaring prices of essential commodities will result in the middle-class being badly hit which will, in turn, become a question of their basic sustenance.

“The hike in fuel price will affect the kitchen while the rise in the price of petrol and diesel will hit the transport sector badly,” she told newsmen on Saturday. The Chief Minister also said that the price of cooking gas has skyrocketed without any rhyme or reason.

“Things are going beyond the reach of the middle-class. How can they make their both ends meet? How can they sustain,” she said and added: “But the Centre is not taking any measure to bring down the prices of petrol and diesel and that of the cooking gas.”

Mamata Banerjee has said over and again that the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel are affecting the transport sector badly. “The Centre is totally indifferent towards this problem faced by the common people,” she maintained.

Bengal Govt to open geriatric care units in district hospitals

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Bengal Govt to open geriatric care units in district hospitals

The Bengal Government is planning to set up comprehensive geriatric care units in various districts hospitals of the State. The units would be exclusive centres for the elderly, which would understand their medical backgrounds and offer them customised care.

The project will be carried out in various phases, with pilot projects in some districts to start with.

Currently, there are separate arrangements for elderly citizens in the outpatient departments (OPD) of all the State-run hospitals and medical colleges in Bengal. The existing infrastructure of elderly care in some of the hospitals across the State will be given a complete overhaul.

Specialised geriatric care centres would be set at the district-level where proficient geriatricians and allied medical professionals will provide comprehensive assessment to address all-round needs of a patient and recommend the best treatment.

According to sources in the Health Department, there are plans to divide the geriatric care centres into four zones – Outpatient Care, In-Patient Care, Emergency Care and Home Health Care. They will offer comprehensive physical, cognitive and psychosocial assessments, a personal care plan, rehabilitation, and recommendations on safe use of medicines.

Source: Millennium Post

Focus on development at Bengal CM’s administrative meeting in the Hills

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Focus on development at Bengal CM’s administrative meeting in the Hills

On Wednesday, May 30, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held an administrative review meeting of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Emphasising on the development roadmap, the Chief Minister advised the state government authorities in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts to focus on the water supply, sewerage, construction and upkeep of roads and waste management.

Speaking at the administrative review meeting of the two districts in Kalimpong, she said: “Darjeeling and Kalimpong have immense potential. There is unmatched natural beauty here. It is your duty to present a clean and green Darjeeling to the tourists who visit these places. For the next two years, we should concentrate on four key areas — water, sewerage, roads and waste management.”

She asked the GTA and Hill Municipalities to sit with the Municipal and PHE departments in Kolkata during the next 10 days and work out a consolidated plan to resolve the drinking water crisis in the Hills.

She also insisted that henceforth funds for construction of houses of the beneficiaries through the 15 development boards should go directly to their bank accounts in two instalments. The Chief Minister spoke on the new avenues for employment generation for the youth and stressed on skill development to impart training in beautician courses, hospitality, as tourist guides and in the medical field as well.

Speaking of the immense potential in the field of tourism, she added: “Tourism industry is one of the most important industries of Bengal. We are giving a lot of emphasis to North Bengal as this place has a lot to offer. All projects have to be finished on time.”

She asked the state Tourism department and the GTA to renovate the Swiss Cottages in Mirik. De-siltation of the Mirik Lake, landscaping including gardens and pathways around the area is on the anvil. Inquiring about the progress of work at Tiger Hill, she stated that the gallery needs to be renovated. Around 19 tourist cottages are said to come up at Tiger Hill in Darjeeling.

The Chief Minister also asked the Power department to look into the electricity problems faced by Lava, Loleygaon and Reshyap in the Kalimpong district.

A proposal has also been given for six new police stations in Darjeeling and three in Kalimpong district. A new administrative building is being constructed in Kalimpong as well. Around 2 acre of land has been allotted for the Police Lines and correctional home in Kalimpong. Banerjee also inquired about the 100 day work scheme in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

Around 500 schemes are underway in the Hills currently. Land right documents (pattas) will be handed over to 271 beneficiaries from the forest villages of Kalimpong on Thursday at Lohapool. The CM also inaugurated a number of projects on Thursday.

Synergy MSME to bring in big investments in the MSME sector

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Synergy MSME to bring in big investments in the MSME sector

In a bid to attract big investments in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, the Bengal Government is going to organise a major business summit in September, titled ‘Synergy MSME’.

It will certainly be a big boost to the small business sector of the State. As it is, the MSME sector of Bengal has been earning a lot of praise ever since the Trinamool Congress Government came to power, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made it a mission to promote this sector in the interest of the ordinary citizens across the State.

‘Synergy’ is also the name of a series of successful MSME investment meets organised by the State Government in various districts.

Source: Bartaman

Much better infrastructure leading to more tourist arrivals in the Sundarbans

Posted on | by aitc | Leave a Comment on Much better infrastructure leading to more tourist arrivals in the Sundarbans

With the infrastructure being ramped up rapidly by the Trinamool Congress Government, the number tourists visiting Sundarbans has gone up too. The region now sees many more tourists round the year, while earlier tourist arrivals peaked during certain periods only.

With better and more roads, culverts (for channelling water under roads), watchtowers, better protected areas, beach development and other work being done, the mangrove haven has become more attractive. With the hike in tourists, naturally the local economy has also improved. Better means of livelihood are making lives easier for the locals. Things like better roads and rest sheds are a boon for the local people too.

Not just betterment infrastructure, there has been improvement in the system of inclement weather alerts too, which is beneficial to tourists and locals alike.

At the same time, infrastructure for water transport has also been improved. The conditions of the river jetties have been improved. Another step taken for improvement of connectivity is the construction of bridges, linking different islands in the delta.

To draw more tourists, every year, in August and September, the State Government organises the Hilsa Festival there.

The above facts are borne out by both Government officials and tour operators. The latter expressed a lot of hope for tourism during a recent tourism fair organised by the State Government in Kolkata. Among the popular places in the Sundarbans are Gosaba Hamilton Bunglow, Pirkhali, Dobaki Watchtower, Sajnekhali Watchtower, Sudhanyakhali Watchtower among others.

Source: Millennium Post