PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan chaired a meeting of the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee and directed departments to take immediate protective and corrective measures within the zone. He instructed the Irrigation department and other agencies concerned to carry out flood control and related safety works in areas close to the river. On the issue of permissions for non-agricultural and commercial activities, he asked the Uttarkashi district magistrate and officials to study the zonal master plan and all provisions linked to environment and biodiversity. He said that if scientific studies from institutes such as IIT Roorkee, the Hydrology Institute or the Wadia Institute are required, they should be included in the planning process. Bardhan asked officials to present the zonal master plan and details of any commercial activity proposals, along with required permissions and regulatory clearances in the next meeting. He stressed the importance of solid waste management in the zone and instructed departments and agencies to coordinate and prepare a plan based on the ground situation for presentation in the upcoming session. He also advised committee members and officials to conduct field inspections of identified sites and set a fixed date for the visits.
