An initiative has been taken to set up easily deployable observatories in selected schools in all districts of the state to increase interest among students in space science. The work of setting up observatories in 3 districts has already completed. Within September observatories will be set up in another 4 districts. Secretary of Science Technology and Environment Department Dr. Pradeep Kumar Chakravarty gave this information in a press conference organized at the Secretariat on Monday. In the press conference, he said that bio-village project is being implemented by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment with the aim of improving the economic standard of the rural people. So far 8 bio-village projects have been implemented. 2 bio-village projects are in progress. 4 new bio-villages will be implemented in the current financial year. Of these 2 bio-village projects have already started. He said that the demarcation of jhum cultivation areas of the state has already completed.
In the press conference, Secretary of Science, Technology and Environment Department said that programme has been taken for the wide application of satellite-based remote sensing technology and geo-tagging in monitoring of development plans and implementation of plans in different areas of the state. In this programme, a total of 21 projects will be implemented in different fields such as agriculture, forest and environment, water resources management, education, health, disaster management, tourism etc. The cost will be around 4 crore 23 lakh rupees. The cost will be borne by the State Government, North Eastern Council and the Central Space Agency. Tripura Space Application Centre, North Eastern Space Application Centre and concerned departments of the state will jointly implement these projects. An MoU was signed between the State Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the North Eastern Space Application Centre on July 25 this year to implement these programmes and take up more such plans in the future. He said that the department has taken initiatives to stop the use of single-use plastic. According to the directives of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, the production, import, storage, transportation, sale and use of all types of plastic carry bags with a thickness of less than 75 microns has been banned since September 30 last year. On December 31, production, import, storage, sale and use of all types of plastic carry bags with a thickness of less than 120 microns will be prohibited. Production, import, storage, transportation, sale and use of non-woven plastic carry bags weighing less than 60 grams per square meter GSM has been banned since September 30 last year.
He said the state has similarly amended the ban on production and use of all plastic items. Moreover, mass awareness programmes are being undertaken across the state to emphasize alternatives to banned plastics, increase the use of compostable carry bags and through various voluntary organizations, business associations and school eco clubs.
In the press conference, apart from Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Chakravarty, Director of the Department Animesh Das, Joint Director of the Department were present.
