Pollution control training programme for industrialists

Chandigarh, Mar 28 (UNI) Punjab Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh has called upon industrialists to take adequate preventive measures to check chemical-related accidents in their units for saving precious human lives and environment.

He was inaugurating a two-days training programme being organized by Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) here today.

Pointing to the Bhopal gas tragedy, Mr Singh said that the aftermath of such disasters had been gruesome and had led to unprecedented sufferings. He said that such accidents could have been averted by taking necessary preventive measures.

He advised the industrialists to give adequate attention to take all required safety measures in their units.

Delivering the key-note address of the training programme, Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairman Yogesh Goel said that the industry should be more pro-active in providing safe measures on preparedness and prevention of chemical accidents.

Mr Goel said that the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), which were collaborating in the training programme with the PPCB, were laying special emphasis on keeping the environment clean. He said the industry should change its attitude and extend all support to the organizations engaged in making this planet safer for human beings.

Mr Alop K Mittal, Advisor, FICCI briefly explained the significance of the training programme in the context of operation, maintenance and setting up of new chemical industry.

Mr Goel pointed out that the common storage facility, being developed by PPCB near Dera Bassi for hazardous wastes, would commence operations in July this year.

Dr R K Sharma from NDMA, elaborated on the steps being taken by the Government in formation of Core Groups of various kinds of disasters including chemical and industrial disasters.

About 150 delegates from chemical industries spread over in the state of Punjab and other northern parts of the country are participating in the training programme.

UNI