Sanjay Sharma Reviews Department and District Development Works – “Environmental Protection is the Topmost Priority, No Compromise on It”

Jaipur, Aug 2025 : Forest, Environment, Climate Change, Science & Technology Minister Shri Sanjay Sharma directed officials to ensure that the 74 illegally operating industrial units at Jerla be disconnected from electricity supply and completely shut down within the next 15 days. For this, coordinated action must be taken by the Municipal Council, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, and District Administration, he said while addressing a review meeting held at the District Collector’s auditorium on Saturday.

Shri Sharma emphasized that the state government will not compromise on farmers’ rights. If factories have to be closed, they must be closed. Immediate action should be taken against industrial units discharging polluted water. “Environmental protection is the foremost priority of the government, and there can be no compromise in this matter,” he asserted.

He further directed officials to encourage the public to participate in tree plantation drives under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Hariyalo Rajasthan” campaigns and ensure strict legal action against polluting units. He instructed that every tree planted under these campaigns must be 100% geo-tagged to ensure accountability and monitoring.

While reviewing the district’s 16.75 lakh plantation target under the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign, Shri Sharma stressed the need for constant monitoring of plant survival and maintenance. He instructed that in cases where saplings fail to survive, new saplings should be planted in their place. Education Department officials were also asked to make special efforts towards plantation and protection of trees.

During the agenda-wise review of budget announcements for 2024–25 and 2025–26 and various schemes running in the district, Shri Sharma called for speeding up implementation. He also directed proper maintenance and renovation of historically important structures within forest areas to promote tourism.

Special instructions were issued to the Pollution Control Board to strengthen waste disposal mechanisms in industrial areas and ensure a clean environment. He also directed strict legal action against mining units violating environmental rules and causing pollution. “The Board must ensure that industrial units operate as per norms, properly dispose of their waste, and that farmers’ crops are not harmed due to industrial pollution,” he said.

Shri Sharma also reviewed innovations undertaken by the department and discussed the works being carried out through Village Forest Protection & Management Committees. He stressed the importance of regularly sharing relevant updates, including committee elections, with public representatives. He instructed that proposals for roads and other works in forest areas must be coordinated with concerned departments and local representatives while obtaining necessary approvals (NOCs).

The meeting was attended by public representatives, industrialists, district administration officials, and officers of the Forest Department.

After the meeting, Minister Shri Sanjay Sharma planted a sapling in the District Collector’s office premises, giving a message to the public on the importance of environmental conservation and urging them to plant more trees.