Andaman constitutes state-level environment council

Port Blair, Sep 05 (UNI) The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has constituted a state-level Council to create an environmental policy in these islands.

Official sources here today said the 38-member Environmental Council will have the island's Lt Governor as its Chairman.

The council would have Members of Parliament, Commander-in-Chief (A&N Command), Chief Secretary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Inspector General of Police, Secretary (Tourism) and (Revenue), Deputy Commissioners of South Andaman among others.

The Council would act as a 'think tank' on important environment policy matters and also provide planning and other inputs in an advisory capacity on issues and matters which might be placed before in its meeting for consideration.

Sources said the recommendations of the Council shall be advisory in nature and it would meet when reqiured and settle its own procedure of working and invite other experts and officials to its meeting when necessary.

It may also form a sub-committee to examine specific issues.

The Chief Wildlife Warden would be its Member Secretary.

The council would also act as the Environment Protection Authority and advise the government on matters pertaining to environmental clearance for development activities, the officials stated.

UNI