Violators of environment norms to be dealt with sternly in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA: Violators of environment norms will be dealt with sternly, newly-appointed chairman of Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, said today.

Private universities and hydropower projects flouting environment norms will come under scanner, he told reporters here.

"Some private universities and hydropower projects have flouted environment norms causing damage to the fragile ecology of the state.

"The matter will be looked into and steps will taken to safeguard the environment," Pathania said.

The board will implement provisions of the Forest and Environment Conservation Act of the Centre firmly, he said.

"Environment is our biggest resource and there can be no compromise on that count. Only environment-friendly industries are welcome," he said.

Sanjay Sood, member-secretary of the board, said the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) had conducted an environmental study of Rohtang area.

"There is no alarming indication but the fact remains that if steps are not taken there can be deterioration over the next few years," said Sood.

On Jaypee cement, Pathania said "the issue had not yet come to my consideration as I took over a day before. But, I will study the matter and take action wherever needed."