Bhubaneswar: Noting that green cover and forest density in Odisha increased in last 20 years, Chief Secretary S C Mahapatra on Wednesday advocated a three-pronged approach involving concrete action, awareness drive and strict enforcement of rules to contain air pollution.
Inaugurating a function on the occasion of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Bhubaneswar, he said air does not have any boundary and proper steps should be taken to reduce and contain the pollutants at the source at any cost through collaborative and participatory approaches.
As many polluting particulates in the air are generally invisible, people should be made aware of the need to tackle these effectively.
“Encouragingly, the green coverage and forest density in Odisha is constantly increasing over last 20 years. The state and district pollution action plan has also been prepared,” Mahapatra said.
“Now we have to take a three-pronged approach of concrete action at ground level both at individual and organisational level, intensified awareness among people, and strict enforcement of the rules,” the Chief Secretary said.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment, Satyabrata Sahu said that National Clean Air Programme (NACP), launched in 2019, has set a target for reducing particulate matters in the air by 20 to 30 per cent in coming five years. In comparison to other states, Odisha performed well in this matter. “With a common effort, we could make Odisha a better place to live in,” he added.
Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport, Bishnupada Sethi said a vast majority of global population today are victims of polluted air, and it is more challenging for the developing countries.
He highlighted different measures like promotion of electric vehicles, phasing out of old and more polluting vehicles, government support and subsidy for manufacturing of electric vehicles are being implemented through the Commerce and Transport department.
