Chandigarh/SAS Nagar: On the directions of Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, the Department today organised a training programme on “Environmental Safeguards at Water and Sanitation Project” at the DWSS Head Office, Phase-2, SAS Nagar, to sensitise field functionaries and strengthen their capacity for the effective implementation of environmental safeguards in water supply and sanitation projects.
During the programme, Er. Sarbjit Singh, EE-cum-SES; Dr. Pradeep Sharma, SES and Sh. Sazid Ali, Environment Management Specialist (EMS), delivered presentations on environmental safeguards to be followed at Water and Sanitation project sites.
The presentations covered key aspects of environmental management, including site cleanliness and housekeeping, safe storage and handling of treatment chemicals, waste segregation and disposal, prevention of water and soil pollution, plantation and green belt development, occupational health and safety, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), fire safety, emergency preparedness and environmental safeguards during the construction and operation of surface water projects.
The training programme was attended by Sub-Divisional Engineers (SDEs), Junior Engineers (JEs) and Project Managers associated with Water Treatment Plants and surface water projects. Detailed discussions were held on the observations recorded during inspections conducted by the State Environment Team, environmental compliance issues identified at project sites and the corrective measures required to address the deficiencies.
The participating officers and officials were sensitised to the importance of regular site inspections, proper maintenance of environmental records and photographic evidence, compliance with applicable environmental rules and guidelines and timely implementation of corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of deficiencies.
The programme reinforced the Department’s commitment to promoting environmentally responsible practices, improving environmental compliance and ensuring the sustainable and safe implementation and operation of water supply and sanitation projects across Punjab.