On World Environment Day, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been committed to protect the environment and has so far released Rs. 166 crore for Liquid Waste Management and Solid Waste Management in the villages of the state.
While celebrating World Environment Day here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the water supply and sanitation department has been playing a pivotal role in checking solid and liquid pollutants by opting various initiatives in the villages of the state.
He said Rs 13496.33 lacs has been released so far for Liquid Waste Management in the 2950 villages of the state. “To manage the solid waste Rs. 3116.89 crore has been released for Solid Waste Management in 4374 villages”, he added.
Stressing on the significance of waste management in protecting environment, Mr. Jimpa said that the waste produced nowadays includes non-biodegradable and inorganic elements, and if this waste is disposed of in landfills, it will decompose unnaturally and will take a lot of time.
“Waste management is important as it saves the environment from the toxic effects of inorganic and biodegradable element present in waste. Mismanagement of waste can cause water contamination, soil erosion and air contamination”, he added.
Later, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa led the team of officials and employees of the Water Supply and sanitation department in taking the pledge to bring every possible change in their routine habits for protecting the environment besides encouraging others to follow environment-friendly practices.
He said that the climate change and global warming are the main challenges before the world and mankind, and it can be tackled only with the contribution of everyone in per own capacity. He said that most people were well aware of the causes of environmental pollution, thus, everyone should contribute in the protection of the environment by bringing changes in daily activities and behaviours.
He appealed to the employees of the department to set an example for the people around them by saving water, ensuring the timely repair of water leaks, proper waste management, stopping single-use plastic, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D K Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mohd. Ishfaq were also present on this occasion.