Leh, Jan 18: The 2^nd meeting of Ladakh Pollution Control Committee (LPCC) UT Ladakh was held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal.

Mufti Sajjad Hussain, Chief Wildlife Warden/ Member Secretary, LPCC presented an action taken report on decisions of the 1^st LPCC meeting. In this regard, a committee comprising officials of LPCC and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for setting up Air, Water, and Noise Monitoring Stations at Leh and Kargil has been formed, amongst other developments such as the adoption of a consent fee structure of the erstwhile state of J&K in UT of Ladakh, financial powers to LPCC and delegation of powers to LPCC under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to grant consent for Green category units.

While discussing the disposal of hazardous wastes, especially automotive batteries, PS Dr. Kotwal stated that LPCC must strictly look into its proper and safe disposal. Recycling of waste through a proper channel to promote Sustainable development was also highlighted by Dr. Kotwal.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

The meeting also held deliberations on the creation of a sufficient number of posts related to scientific and engineering fields to carry out the scientific mandates of the committee efficiently.

Highlighting Ladakh’s pristine ecology, Dr. Kotwal stated that even the minimal amount of pollution – Air, Water, or Sound – contributes tremendously to Ladakh’s sensitive ecology and urged the concerned officials to establish good quality laboratories, provide effective training to the employees for efficiency and procure state-of-the-art equipments.

Mohammad Nazir Sheikh, Director Industries and Commerce; Dr Mutup Dorje, Director Health Services; Dr Zahida Bano, Director Urban Local Boadies; Rigzin Spalgon, Deputy Secretary; Aditya Madanpotra, Regional Director LPCC and other officials attended the meeting.   

Officials of Regional Officer,  Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Jammu; Head of Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Jammu; Head of Department of Environment Science, University of Jammu and Chairman Ladakh Chamber of Industries attended the meeting virtually.