Programs

Minutes of Inauguration of the Web Modules of Environment Compliance Assistance Centre(ECAC) Website, Held on 29th March at Parivesh Bhawan , Salt Lake City, Kolkata West Bengal.

On 29th March at Paribesh Bhawan, Salt Lake, at the outset of the inauguration meeting Dr. D. Chakraborty,Project co-ordinator, CBIPM Project, had explained the main objective of ECAC and also explained what type of information will be publish in near future through ECAC web site i.e (www.ecacwb.org). Also by sharing his knowledge he suggested that the various details of best practices and the various environmental news which will help to grow consciousness in public, will be published through this web site.

In his welcome address, Sri S Mukherjee, Member Secretary,WBPCB, said that ECAC has been in existence since last 3 years. During these 3 years ECAC has tried to address the compliance issues of the different identified SME sectors of industries. In the next phase, PCB and World Bank will further strengthen the ECAC and enhance the scope of activities. By holding different workshops, the small scale industries are getting information about latest cost effective technology so they can accordingly organize the production process and reduce the impact on environment. Sri S. Mukherjee also highlighted that through this web module various industries can make direct contact with the centre and share their problem and also get feedback from the centre against the same.

Prof. P. N. Roy Hon'ble Chairman, said that the time has come when one has to include social science issues in order to combat global warming or greenhouse effect in near future. He also quoted Amartya Sen and mentioned that by synchronising our thinking level with present environmental changes, we may realise how the environment is correlated with ethics and morality. So it is our responsibility to concentrate on social issues and take necessary steps to protect the environment and society.

Sri A Ray AECEN India Representative,in his speech added that in the 1st phase the infrastructure of ECAC has been upgraded. He also addressed other issues such as technical assistances, partnering with research institutes and making good communication with our strategic partners and various industries. He also mentioned that the ECAC task force had been formed and the tool kit was in the process of being developed.

Prof. A Mookherjea, ECAC Expert Committee Member, informed that through this web module it will be easy to assist the various industries. Large scale industries can go beyond environmental compliance to achive profit maximization and also control misuse of resources. But incase of small scale industries achieving compliance is most important. He mentioned that those industries who are willing to comply but unable due to certain constraints as well as those who are unwilling have to be brought under compliance.

Prof. S. Dutta, ECAC Expert Committee Member, said that further assistance will be provided to industries in achieving compliance during the 2nd phase by ECAC.

An evaluation of the ECAC has been done to identify the achievements and the shortcomings and from the findings the centre will be strengthened further.