Haryana Environment, Forests and WildLife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, has directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) officers to impose a complete ban on plastic polythene within a month, emphasising that its use is already prohibited in the state. Rao Narbir Singh presided over a review meeting of the HSPCB's operations today at Haryana Niwas.
The Minister emphasised that regional board officers should personally inspect industries. When an application for industrial setup permission or NOC is submitted online, the regional officer must list all objections at once. Instances of officers raising objections one after the other have been reported, causing unnecessary inconvenience to applicants, repeated visits to the board, and wastage of time.
He further stated that no individual should hold exclusive rights to set up biomedical waste plants. This process should be open to competition. The minister highlighted that Gurugram has become a medical hub with only one biomedical waste plant. Hospitals in Gurugram generate 20–22 tons of biomedical waste daily, necessitating an additional plant.
He directed the HSPCB and the Health Department to coordinate efforts to establish another plant. Moreover, the board should review locations where new biomedical waste plants are needed. Strict directions were given to ensure noticeable improvements in the HSPCB's operations by March 31, 2025.
The Minister also directed regional officers to personally inspect industries in the red, orange, and green categories before renewing their licenses and to ensure all formalities are completed. He suggested sending proposals to the government for amending Central Pollution Control Board regulations, if required.
He directed the preparation of a list of all vacant posts in the board and directed the same to be submitted to the Haryana Public Service Commission and the Haryana Staff Selection Commission. Regarding petrol pumps issuing pollution certificates without properly inspecting vehicle emissions, he directed the board to keep a close watch on such practices. Officers were also directed to monitor all forms of pollution, emphasising that this responsibility lies with everyone.
Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Chairman, HSPCB , Sh. Vineet Garg, and regional officers from all districts remained present during the meeting.