Agartala, July 16: Science and technology must be utilized as key drivers for improving people's quality of life and ensuring the overall development of the state.

Alongside strengthening environmental monitoring, greater efforts should be made to raise environmental awareness among the public, said Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha while chairing a review meeting of the Tripura State Council for Science and Technology (TSCST) and the Tripura State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) at the Conference Hall1 of the Secretariat today.

At the beginning of the meeting, TSCST Secretary Chaitanya Murthy made a detailed presentation on the Council’s activities, initiatives for promoting science and technology, research and innovation programmes, Science City, Udaipur Science Centre, Sukanta Academy, the use of space technology, science-based infrastructure development, and the progress of various ongoing projects.

The presentation also highlighted efforts to promote scientific temperament in society, encourage scientific thinking among students, popularize science, and expand the use of modern technology. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that science and technology are among the primary foundations of development in the present era. He emphasized the need to further expand research, innovation, and the application of modern technology.

He stressed strengthening the connection between science, educational institutions, and society to foster a scientific mindset among the younger generation. He also directed officials to ensure the timely implementation of science-based projects while maintaining quality standards and maximizing the use of technology for public welfare.

Principal Secretary K. Sashi Kumar presented a detailed overview of the activities of the Tripura State Pollution Control Board.

His presentation covered air, water, and noise pollution control, environmental quality monitoring, environmental clearances for industries, waste management, pollution monitoring systems, environmental conservation initiatives, and the implementation of environmental laws.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain continuous vigilance against environmental pollution. He emphasized the proper management of biomedical and hazardous waste generated by hospitals, nursing homes, industries, hotels, and other establishments. He also directed authorities to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

He further stressed the importance of increasing public awareness about the harmful effects of pollution.

The Chief Minister called for continuous awareness programmes involving schools, educational institutions, market areas, and social organizations to make environmental protection a part of daily life. He also urged officials to work closely with people at the grassroots level.

The Chief Minister directed strict measures to regulate the use of single-use plastics, enforce pollution control norms for emissions from goldsmith workshops, maintain cleanliness in market areas, and strengthen regular monitoring mechanisms.

 He also emphasized controlling noise pollution around educational institutions, implementing effective measures to reduce air and noise pollution at construction sites, ensuring Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for all vehicles, and regularly monitoring whether brick kilns are complying with the prescribed zig-zag technology standards. Additionally, he instructed authorities to conduct regular water quality testing of swimming pools and water bodies, ensure environmental clearances before earth-cutting activities, and strengthen coordination with district and sub-divisional administrations for environmental protection.

The Chief Minister said that a clean and healthy environment can be achieved through the coordinated participation of government departments, local administrations, and the public. He called upon all concerned departments to work responsibly and in coordination to achieve this goal.

Science, Technology and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma also participated in the discussion and emphasized the effective implementation of various initiatives aimed at promoting science and technology and protecting the environment.

Among others present at the meeting were Secretary Apurba Roy, senior officials of the concerned departments, Tripura State Council for Science and Technology and the Tripura State Pollution Control Board.