Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday urged the people to act responsibly for making the state’s environment pollution-free.
Sonowal on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed building of the regional office of Pollution Control Board, Assam at Nagaon.
The building has been constructed with a project cost of Rs. 2.10 crore and is equipped with facilities for testing of pollution level.
While speaking on the occasion in a programme held at Milan Sanskritik Chora in Nagaon, Sonowal stated that pollution has posed serious threat to human existence in recent years.
The CM also said that the state government since the time of taking charge has assiduously been pursuing the goal of making Assam a pollution-free state.
He expressed the view that the newly opened office building of PCB, Assam would be helpful in maintaining pollution free environment in the adjoining districts of Morigaon, Hojai and West karbi Anglong.
This would also facilitate activities for generating mass awareness on pollution control initiatives, he observed.
Sonowal said, “Pollution affects all aspects of our environment and to keep our surroundings healthy, there is a need to maintain and increase the green cover.”
He said the state government made successful strides in preserving nature in the last three years and so far planted more than 6 crore saplings.
The government has set a target to plant 10 crore saplings, he informed.
The CM further said due to stringent measures adopted by the forest department, poaching of rhinos and other animals have significantly decreased.
In the last three years, altogether 13 poachers were convicted through proceedings at fast-track courts, he said adding that the government in a bid to ensure security of animals built highlands at Kaziranga National Park and provided fodder at the time of flood to marooned animals.
Environment and forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya also spoke on the occasion.
While the chairman of APCB Y. Suryanarayana delivered the welcome speech, the programme was also addressed by Nagaon MLA Rupak Sarma.
MLAs Dimbeswar Das, Siladitya Deb, Ramakanta Deuri, Angoorlata Deka, Nagaon DC Jadav Saikia, SP Shankar Brata Raimedhi and former union minister Rajen Gohain were also present.