Information & Public Relations Department, Chandigarh, Punjab,December 31: In a bid to ensure sustainable protection and management ofenvironment, Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) and Punjab Pollution ControlBoard (PPCB) would jointly establish Environment Resource Centre (ERC) inKnowledge City at Mohali.
An agreement to set up ERC at the cost of Rs. 7.5 cr was signedby Dr Ajit Dua, CEO on behalf of PBTI and Krunesh Garg, Member Secretary onbehalf of PPCB. Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment Rahul Tiwariand Chairman PPCB Prof. SS Marwaha were also present on the occasion.
Keeping in view the need, the Centre would be madeoperational from the camp office of PBTI in Industrial Area, Mohali fromJanuary 1 in order to cater to Environment related Research, Advisory and Skillup-gradation needs of Industry, Government Departments and other suchstakeholders of Punjab as well as adjoining states.
Meanwhile, the Secretary Science Technology &Environment Rahul Tiwari said that this centre would enhance environmentalcompliance through strengthening of monitoring mechanism and policyimplementation in the state besides it would also boost the capabilities ofaddressing emerging environment issues through S&T intervention.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chairman PPCB Dr. SSMarwaha said at present there is no such agency in the state which couldhandhold the Industry and other stakeholders to address environment relatedchallenges. He further said that the Centre shall provide technical support toState Pollution Control Boards for developing state specific standards, datageneration, method development and Validation for emerging environment pollutantsas well as other research needs.
Pointing out further, Dr. Marwaha said the Centre would alsoprovide S&T inputs to industry and other stakeholders in carrying outperformance audits of Pollution Control Plants/Devices/Technologies. ERC wouldalso conduct skill development and awareness programmes for Operators ofEffluent Treatment Plants & Air Pollution Control Equipment, Laboratorystaff, and Government officials. The Centre would develop linkages with domainspecific National and International organizations to achieve its objectives.
During interactions, Marwaha also informed that theexpertise of PPCB and PBTI staff along with external experts shall be availableto stakeholders under this centre. CEO PBTI Dr Ajit Dua stated that in duecourse of time Centre shall be further strengthened with National &International support.