Panel calls for scientific disposal of e-waste in Chandigarh

The Environment Standing Committee has stressed the need for effective collection and scientific disposal of e-waste in the city.

The first meeting of the newly constituted committee of the UT Administrator’s Advisory Council was held today at Paryavaran Bhawan under the chairmanship of Gian Chand Gupta, former Speaker, Haryana Legislative Assembly. Saurabh Kumar, Director Environment, welcomed the chairman and members of the committee.

The committee held discussions on pressing environmental issues in Chandigarh, including air and water pollution, disposal of municipal solid waste and bio-medical waste, sewage treatment, protection and management of choes, ban and control of single-use plastics, etc. In addition, the committee deliberated on eco-friendly mitigation measures such as rainwater harvesting, installation of recharge wells and promotion of energy efficiency models.

The chairman urged members to identify gap areas in air, water and noise pollution, and suggest actionable steps for line departments to be reviewed in the next meeting.

A strong emphasis was laid on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. The committee recommended developing a comprehensive action plan involving the School Education Department, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), industries, and market associations.

The chairman also suggested that awareness messages on environmental protection should be disseminated through the public address systems installed at roundabouts and traffic signals, to ensure wide public outreach and engagement. While acknowledging that challans and penalties act as deterrents for environmental violations, the committee highlighted the importance of recognising and incentivising individuals and groups who undertake pro-environmental initiatives, to promote a sustainable lifestyle across the community.

The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to pursue actionable, inclusive and sustainable environmental solutions for Chandigarh.