Andaman constitutes state-level Environment Council

Port Blair, Sep 5 (UNI) The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has constituted a state-level Council to create an environmental policy in these islands, official sources said here today.

The 38-member Environmental Council will have the island's Lt Governor as its Chairman.

The council will 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 policies and also provide planning and other inputs in an advisory capacity on issues and matters, which may be placed before its for consideration.

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

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

The Chief Wildlife Warden were be its Member Secretary.

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

UNI