In a major decision, Haryana Government has decided to ban single-use water bottles in all Government offices in the State.
Apart from this, the State Government has decided to launch a special plantation drive under which about 20 lakh students from class 6th to 12th would plant at least one sapling each in the premises of their houses.
This and several other environment-friendly decisions were taken at a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister Manohar lal on Monday, a day ahead of ‘World Environment Day’ on June 5.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister said a five-point programme would be implemented for maintaining ecological balance.
Besides, banning single-use water bottles in government offices, the programme includes plantation of 20 lakh saplings, replacing halogen and sodium bulbs and tubelights with lED in government offices across the state by August 15, digging of 1,000 pits for water recharging and rain water harvesting in government buildings in ten municipal corporations within three months, and making Haryana a polythene-free state.
It has also been decided that from now onwards, the Urban local Bodies Department would not purchase any new stock of bulbs and tubelights other than lED. The damaged or non-functioning street lights in municipalities would be replaced only with lED.
The Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to take up the five-point programme in mission mode and implement it within a maximum of six months through public participation.
Urban local Bodies Minister Kavita Jain, Transport, Home and Jails Minister Krishan lal Panwar, and Minister of State for Public Health and Engineering, Banwari lal were also present at the meeting.
“India is the global host of 2018 World Environment Day on June 5. The State Government has decided to celebrate World Environment Day in a befitting manner throughout Haryana,” said Manohar lal.
The Chief Minister directed that single-used water bottles would not be used in government offices and only multi-used water bottles would be used. No orders will be issued for the purchase of single-use water bottles from June 5 onwards, he said.
Manohar lal also issued directions that a special plantation drive be launched in the state under which students from class 6th to 12th would plant at least one sapling each on the premises of their houses. They would also be provided tree-guards at economical rates. This would not only connect the students with plants but also ensure their safety and upkeep, he added.
It was informed that there are about 20 lakh students studying in classes 6th to 12th in the state. Plants would be made available by the Forest Department. The activity would be jointly carried out by the Departments of Forest, Education, Urban local Bodies and Development and Panchayats.
The Chief Minister also said sufficient number of taps would be provided to keep a check on the wastage of water. The Public Health and Engineer Department, Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and Urban local Bodies Department have been told to generate awareness among the people to save water by organizing camps and by drafting slogans.
laying emphasis on the recharging of water, Manohar lal directed digging of 1,000 pits for water recharging and rain water harvesting in government buildings in ten municipal corporations within three months.
Besides, he asked the Urban local Bodies Department to conduct a survey of houses of 500 square yards and above, to see whether they have made provision for water recharging and rain water harvesting.
Manohar lal further said the State Government has drawn up plans to replace all halogen and sodium bulbs and tubelights in the state with energy-efficient lED bulbs and tubelights.
To begin with, it has been decided to effect this replacement in government buildings by August 15.
A comprehensive scheme would also be prepared to replace the plastic goods in the state, especially the polythene bags, he added.