National
CPCB prohibits roadside storage of construction material
New Delhi, Nov 27 (IANS) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday issued guidelines prohibiting the sale, storage, loading and unloading of construction material on the roadside.
Asserting that dust emissions from construction impacted the environmental quality both “on-site and off-site”, the CPCB following the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directions came up with the fresh guidelines for construction and demolition activities.
The green court’s directions came in the wake of alarming pollution levels here after which construction activities were banned for a week from November 7 onwards.
Under the fresh guidelines, the CPCB also ordered the identification of the transport routes for carrying construction material or wastes “to avoid residential, schools, institutional and hospital areas”.
The CPCB also said that demand for construction material at the site should synchronize with its utilization, so that the storage period of unused construction material is minimal, thereby reducing dust dispersal.
“Loading, unloading (dumping), storage and sale of construction material for use in on-going projects on public roadsides is prohibited,” read the CPCB report on addressing dust pollution during handling of construction material and construction and demolition (C&D) wastes, on-site and off-site.
The report also suggests vacuum sweeping to replace dry-sweeping, and water sprinkling, among other measures.
“Dumping (unloading) and disposal of C&D wastes on non-designated sites (ex-roadsides, vacant plots, water bodies, drains etc) be prohibited,” the report stated.
To control off-site emissions caused by the C&D activities, CPCB directed all builders and contractors to submit an undertaking to the concerned government department on measures adopted to control dust.
The CPCB guidelines also asked the contractors to display on boards at the construction sites that they have adopted the dust control measures.
“Contractors, builders, sellers, related stakeholders prohibited from storing, dumping, C&D wastes, construction material on metalled (pucca) roads as it obstructs traffic flow — a case of encroachment inviting penalties,” the report stated.
The report said that dust generated during handling, both loading and unloading of construction materials, would release a wide range of particle sizes and material types that could affect health and cause problems ranging from eye, nose and throat irritation besides affecting the respiratory system.
“Workers at sites of construction, demolition, loading, uploading activities are to be provided with face masks to prevent inhalation of fine dust,” the CPCB said.
It also ordered the use of covering sheets (plastic, tarpaulin, etc.) on construction material heaps that can easily become air borne, C&D debris that is dumped at temporary storage sites, adequate covering of construction works, particularly side-facing residential areas.
–IANS
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National
Foodman Vishal Singh Honored for Hunger Free World Mission in Bangkok
Lucknow: Vishal Singh, a renowned social worker from Lucknow, also known as Foodman, has once again made India proud. He was honored by the Happy Hands Gloves Cooperative Limited Company in Korathai, Thailand, for his work with the Hunger Free World Mission.
The Hunger Free World Mission’s meeting was held in Korathai, Thailand, under Vishal Singh’s leadership. Representatives from several countries, including Mr. Raja Dwivedi (Managing Director of Happy Hands Gloves Limited), Thailand Coordinator Mr. Raja Mishra, and member Mr. Varun Singh, attended the event.
Under Vishal Singh’s leadership, the attendees took a pledge to work together toward creating a hunger-free world.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Singh explained that the main goal of the Hunger Free World Mission is social participation. He said the mission is not just about feeding people but also about meeting other basic needs of those who are struggling. The mission focuses on helping families of terminally ill patients in hospitals by providing food and shelter. It also works to fulfill essential needs like education, jobs, and care for the elderly.
For the last 16 years, the Vijay Sri Foundation has been providing free services, benefiting thousands of people. Vishal Singh highlighted that the mission aims to gain global recognition like other organizations such as WHO, WWF, and Red Cross, which work for social causes.
During this meeting, Vishal Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the Hunger Free World Mission by representatives from various countries. They also discussed holding regular meetings in different countries to push the mission forward.
Business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has also supported this humanitarian mission, vowing to promote the idea of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty) worldwide. Vishal Singh praised him, stating that people like Dr .Abhishek Verma inspire others to work for the betterment of society.
Recently, Romania’s Ambassador, Mr . Daniela Sezonov Ţane, invited Vishal Singh to the Romanian Embassy in Delhi, where they discussed the mission in detail. Impressed by his humanitarian work, she honored Vishal Singh and invited him to Romania to take the mission forward .
Food man Vishal Singh has been serving the people of India for the past 16 years. Through the Vijay Sri Foundation, he provides free meals to cancer patients & their families ,shelter, and education for women & children along with running free old-age homes in Lucknow.
In addition to his humanitarian work, Vishal Singh also addresses issues like crime and corruption through his role as Chairman of Seva Path Media and Managing Director of Vijay Sri Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishal Singh and his team worked tirelessly to provide food and help to the needy, including starving children, elderly citizens, and pregnant women. Despite contracting the virus himself, he continued to assist others after his recovery. He even created a life-saving oxygen regulator using household items, which was praised by doctors both in India and abroad.
In his address at the meeting, Vishal Singh spoke about his mission to create a hunger-free world. He pointed out that India’s large population, along with issues like unemployment and poverty, has caused the country to fall on the Hunger Index. He urged people to contribute just one handful of grains daily to help create a hunger-free world.
He concluded by saying that through social participation, we can empower the people around us, meet their basic needs, and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and developed society.