The worsening climate change is a matter of concern for Governments worldwide.

India with its long traditions is making conscious efforts to meet this challenge. The World Environment Day, commemorated every year on June 5, observed by the United Nations stimulates global awareness about environment and enhances political attention for action.

Climate change is the biggest environmental threat to our mother earth. Hence, combating climate change and preserving eco-system services that underpin our economies, becomes the responsibility of everyone.

The Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda who has shown consistent commitment is keen to empower people to be active agents in promoting sustainable and equitable development. He feels that this will ensure that nations and the mankind enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

In an interview, Hooda said, “The most effective way to address the burning issue of climate change is to adopt a sustainable development model by shifting to environmentally sustainable technologies and promotion of every eco-efficient system, conservation of land and water resources, proactive steps to regenerate our environment by growing more trees and controlling wastages.”

The slogan for 2009 is “Your Planet Needs You-Unite to Combat Climate Change”. Hooda said, Recognizing the fact that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our times, it is urgent to focus on the greenhouse gas emissions and steps to reduce them.

The day highlights resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.”

Policy to promote forest cover in State

The Haryana Government is making every effort to control pollution. Latest innovative technology is being pressed into use to bring the pollution parameters within the prescribed norms. The Haryana Pollution Control Board is endeavouring to achieve zero discharge emissions from highly polluting process units for better management of environment and ensure recycling and reuse of treated water for the fruitful purposes.

A spokesperson of Pollution Control board revealed, “The board has taken a number of effective and telling measures for sound and sustainable management of environment. One is simplification of procedure for grant of NOC and consent. The board notified a policy on January 1, 2009 which provides for grant of consent for longer period ranging from two years to 10 years, depending on the type of industry and pollution potential involved”.

Spokesperson said, “Polluting industries have been persuaded to install effluent treatment plants (ETP) / air pollution control measures (APCM) for controlling water and air pollution. More than 95 per cent of polluting industries have now installed ETP/ APCM.

The remaining units are in the process of installation and action is being taken against persistent defaulting units”. With a view to discourage the indiscriminate use of plastic carry bags responsible for causing pollution, the Haryana Government has banned the manufacture, sale and use of plastic carry bags of less than 30 microns in thickness and size of less than 8 X12 inches. Spokesperson said,

“It has decided to impose a penalty of Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 on all units manufacturing the banned category of plastic bags. A penalty of Rs

2,500 to Rs 5,000 on retailers, vendors and other establishments providing them to customers and Rs 250 to Rs 500 on individual’s found littering public places.”