A review meeting chaired by National Green Tribunal (NGT) member and judge Afroz Ahmad from the principal bench in New Delhi concluded on Thursday in Varanasi. The meeting focused on compliance with NGT orders and environmental protection efforts in the city.
Key Directives Issued
Ahmad obtained detailed information from department officials regarding river conservation, green belt development, public awareness on environmental protection, sewerage treatment, future action plans, and waste management. He instructed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to appoint a nodal officer for biomedical waste assessment and monitoring, ensuring waste does not remain on hospital premises for more than 48 hours.
For e-waste disposal, Ahmad directed the regional officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board to identify a recycler or buyer and raise public awareness. He emphasized strict compliance with Supreme Court and NGT conditions, urging the use of sewerage water for agriculture, landscaping, gardening, and construction.
Tree Preservation and Agro Forestry
The district forest officer was asked to encourage preservation of trees aged 100-200 years. Ahmad stressed making farmers aware of planting saplings on field bunds and promoting agro forestry. The district agriculture officer was directed to educate farmers along the Ganga riverbanks about reducing pesticide use, planting trees, and proper field bunding, with assistance from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), assistant technology managers (ATM), and block technology managers (BTM).
Waste Management and Groundwater Recharge
Ahmad called for maximum compost manure production from biodegradable waste and improved groundwater recharge to prevent critical zone depletion. Extensive plantation on both sides of drains was ordered. He also directed development of biodiversity forests on gram panchayat government land, primarily with Jamun, Arjun, and Tamarind saplings, and suggested using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for minor environmental protection works.
He stated that environmental protection is the responsibility of every citizen, not just the government or administration. Linking environment and economy, he emphasized prioritizing environmental protection for sustainable development. He ordered marking of river flood zones and promotion of plantation in catchment areas for river conservation.
District Officials' Updates
District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar briefed on ongoing waste management, river conservation, and environmental protection work. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal provided details on door-to-door garbage collection across all municipal wards, segregation, and scientific disposal of old and untreated garbage. The meeting was attended by Chief Development Officer Prakhar Kumar Singh, DFO Swati Singh, Varanasi Development Authority Vice Chairman Puran Bohra, and other officials.
