The 2nd UT Level Apex Committee meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Advisor, Ladakh Umang Narula to oversee the implementation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders on Waste Management and other environmental issues in the Union Territory on November 9.

The concerned officials presented the action taken report on the decisions taken during the 1st UT Level Apex Committee meeting.

Member Secretary, Ladakh Pollution Control Board (LPCC), Sajad Hussain Mufti apprised the Advisor of the progress made in compliance with National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders and other environmental matters viz. status of installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System for Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Agling and preparation of Environment Management Plan (EMP) for grant of consent to operate; status of ‘Silence Zone’ under provisions of Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and as per the provisions of approved Action Plan for controlling Noise Pollution; status of survey and auction of E-waste in public offices as per E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, among others.

It was informed in the meeting that the Urban and Rural Development Department has so far identified 05 villages for Model Compliant Towns/Villages and one more will be identified soon as per O.A No 606/2018. Concerning the procurement of handheld noise level meters in compliance with NGT directions, it was informed that 15 units of Noise Level Meters have been procured by the LPCC. Also, the personnel from Traffic Police, Municipal Committees, and Revenue Department have imparted training regarding the operation and handling of Noise Level Meters.

Taking stock of the progress of work, Advisor Narula directed the concerned officials to ensure the completion of work within the stipulated time frame. Detailed discussions also took place on the disposal of legacy waste so that valuable land can be reclaimed and put to better use.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment/Health, Ladakh; Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Ladakh; Additional Director General of Police, Ladakh; Commissioner Secretary. Public Works Department, Ladakh; Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Ladakh; Commissioner Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Ladakh; Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, Ladakh; Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department, Ladakh; Secretary, Law Department, Ladakh; Director, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Ladakh; Director, Industries and Commerce Department, Ladakh; Director, Urban Local Bodies, Ladakh; Director, Health Services, Ladakh and other concerned officials.