Planting of saplings in new constructions to be made mandatory

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, DEC. 24.The Centre will shortly enact a law making planting of two saplings in all new constructions in the cities mandatory, the Union Minister of State for Urban Development, Mr. Bandaru Dattatreya, said.

He said the Act which was likely to be enacted in a month or two was aimed at reducing pollution and creating better living conditions for people in the cities withering under the onslaught of heavy pollution.

Speaking at a seminar on "Environmental pollution and its impact on human life" here on Sunday, the Union Minister said all the State Governments would be asked to bring about appropriate laws in their respective States for the purpose. "They have to ensure that permission for new constructions is given only if the builders comply with the stipulation," he affirmed.

Hyderabad, that was once known for its lakes, presented a dismal scenario today. The city which had an astonishing 135 lakes once now has a mere 30. He said the Union Urban Development Ministry would give a grant of Rs. 9 crores to the State Government towards development and maintenance of these lakes. He underlined the need for concerted efforts by Governments, voluntary bodies and environmental experts to tackle the growing problem of pollution.

Later, Mr. Dattatreya gave away the Jawaharlal Nehru memorial information technologies national awards for pollution control and energy conservation.

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Section  : Southern States
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