Himachal launches environment audit for all Govt depts

In a move aimed at making Himachal a “carbon neutral” state, the Prem Kumar Dhumal Government on Friday launched an environment audit plan for all departments...

In a move aimed at making Himachal a “carbon neutral” state, the Prem Kumar Dhumal Government on Friday launched an environment audit plan for all departments, PSUs and institutions, asking for voluntary efforts to cut down energy costs and reduce environmental pollution.

Minister for Forests and Environment J P Nadda on Friday held an interaction session with senior secretaries, HODs, scientists and professionals to set specific targets for departments to undertake periodic environment audits and adopt energy efficient technologies.

Nadda said the state’s decision to use CFL lighting and provide free CFL bulbs to domestic consumers would help cut down power bills in a big way. The Government proposes to invest Rs 80 crore in the scheme.

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In his presentation, the minister gave details of an energy audit done at the secretariat and the HP Pollution Control Board office which showed that several lakhs of rupees had been saved since the introduction of CFL lighting.

Harinder Hira, Principal Secretary (Environment and Scientific Technologies), said the state Government would soon come out with an environment policy. The ban on polythene bags, imposed in Himachal in 1999, will be implemented more strictly, he said, adding that a drive against littering has been started with the participation of schoolchildren.

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