CHANDIGARH: In a bid to ensure sustainable protection and management of environment, Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) would jointly establish Environment Resource Centre (ERC) in Knowledge City at Mohali.
An agreement to set up ERC at the cost of Rs. 7.5 cr was signed by Dr Ajit Dua, CEO on behalf of PBTI and Krunesh Garg, Member Secretary on behalf of PPCB. Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment Rahul Tiwari and Chairman PPCB Prof. SS Marwaha were also present on the occasion.
Keeping in view the need, the Centre would be made operational from the camp office of PBTI in Industrial Area, Mohali from January 1 in order to cater to Environment related Research, Advisory and Skill up-gradation needs of Industry, Government Departments and other such stakeholders of Punjab as well as adjoining states.
Meanwhile, the Secretary Science Technology & Environment Rahul Tiwari said that this centre would enhance environmental compliance through strengthening of monitoring mechanism and policy implementation in the state besides it would also boost the capabilities of addressing emerging environment issues through S&T intervention.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chairman PPCB Dr. SS Marwaha said at present there is no such agency in the state which could handhold the Industry and other stakeholders to address environment related challenges. He further said that the Centre shall provide technical support to State Pollution Control Boards for developing state specific standards, data generation, method development and Validation for emerging environment pollutants as well as other research needs.
Pointing out further, Dr. Marwaha said the Centre would also provide S&T inputs to industry and other stakeholders in carrying out performance audits of Pollution Control Plants/Devices/Technologies. ERC would also conduct skill development and awareness programmes for Operators of Effluent Treatment Plants & Air Pollution Control Equipment, Laboratory staff, and Government officials. The Centre would develop linkages with domain specific National and International organizations to achieve its objectives.
During interactions, Marwaha also informed that the expertise of PPCB and PBTI staff along with external experts shall be available to stakeholders under this centre. CEO PBTI Dr Ajit Dua stated that in due course of time Centre shall be further strengthened with National & International support.