SHIMLA: In a bid to curb devastating effects of illegal dumping of construction debris and improper waste disposal, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, who is also HPSLSA’s Executive Director, has launched a major awareness campaign in Himachal Pradesh by bringing all stakeholders on board.
The campaign aims to put stringent measures in place to hold construction companies accountable.
This Awareness-cum-Sensitization Drive will tackle Illegal dumping during Construction of Roads and Highways and aims to protect human lives, preserve properties, and safeguard the environment.
HPSLSA has brought together multiple stakeholders, including the Forest Department, National Highway Authority of India, HP Public Works Department, Pollution Control Board, Jal Shakti Vibhag, HP Police Department, Local Administration, and Panchayati Raj Institutions, to join forces in raising awareness.
The primary focus is to educate construction companies, workers, regulatory bodies, and local communities about the detrimental impacts of illegal dumping and the urgent need for responsible waste management practices.
By fostering collaboration, promoting best practices, and enhancing monitoring and enforcement measures, this drive aims to revolutionize the construction industry, making it cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
Prem Pal Ranta, member secretary of the HPSLSA, emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to construction projects.
He stated that the campaign seeks to maximize the positive impact of such projects on environmental protection, community welfare, and long-term economic development.
To ensure effective implementation, core teams have been formed at the district and sub-divisional levels, consisting of officials from various departments and organizations such as the Forest Department, National Highways Authority of India, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department, Pollution Control Board, Jal Shakti Department, Himachal Pradesh Police Department, Local Administration, and Local Bodies.
These teams will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring awareness programs throughout the campaign.
In order to reach a wider audience, Information Education & Communication Material (IEC), including brochures, posters, and videos, will be developed by enforcement agencies.
These materials will highlight the environmental consequences of illegal dumping and the benefits of responsible waste management during construction projects.
The workshops and training programs will be organized for officers and workers of construction companies, emphasizing waste segregation, recycling practices, and legal disposal methods.
They will be required to prominently display clear signage and banners on construction sites, outlining waste management guidelines and the severe consequences of illegal dumping. Enforcement agencies will ensure that construction waste management guidelines, including waste segregation, recycling procedures, and proper disposal techniques, are strictly followed.
Moreover, construction companies will be encouraged to allocate designated areas for waste disposal, ensuring efficient management and regular clearing of these sites.
They will also be urged to provide an adequate supply of waste disposal bins, containers, and signage to facilitate proper waste segregation and disposal on construction sites.
Illegal dumping during construction projects not only contaminates land, water, and the environment but also poses significant health risks to workers and nearby communities.
Furthermore, it undermines the efforts of sustainable development and creates a negative perception of construction projects.
With the launch of this groundbreaking awareness campaign, Shimla takes a remarkable step forward in combating illegal dumping and ensuring a cleaner, greener, and more responsible construction industry.
