NewsID: 36 Author Muhammad Azhar, Public Relations Officer ERA Dated 06 August 2011
Subject J&K ERA Organises Orientation Workshop on Environmental & Social Safeguard Measures
Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (J&KERA) organized a workshop on “Environmental and Social Safeguard measures in infrastructure projects“here today in Srinagar.
Day long workshop was organized by JKERA as part of capacity building component of Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Multi sector Project for Infrastructure Rehabilitation (MPIR) with an objective to sensitize ERA staff especially field staff executing project on ground about social and environmental safeguard policies of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and also about various state and central laws on environment and rehabilitation.
In his inaugural address Director Central, J&K ERA Khalid Muzaffar said that today resettlement and environmental plans are an integral part of any infrastructure project planning process and meticulously prepared resettlement or environmental plan are pivotal for smooth execution of infrastructure projects.
Shri Ramesh Swarnakar, Social Safeguard Specialist (ADB) (INRM) made presentation on safeguard policies of Asian Development Bank(ADB) and latest amendments that have been made to the policy. .Swarankar later reflecting on his recent review of Kashmir projects appreciated the manner in which R&R issues have been documented and implemented by J&KERA. Short documentary on Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy (R&R) was also shown to the participants.
Shri Girish Mahajan , Environmental Officer, Asian Development Bank in his presentation briefed participants about the importance of Environmental safeguard measures in the infrastructure projects to minimize costs to the environment and also enlightened participants about the ADB’s Environmental Policy. He also presented a brief resume of state and central laws pertaining to environment and forests.
Presenting the vote of thanks Director Safeguard, J&K ERA(Sandeep Kujur) thanked participants for attending the workshop. He also thanked ADB experts for agreeing to be resource persons for the workshop on such ashort notice. He also informed participants about the progress achieved by JKERA under the safeguard component of the project.
Workshop was also attended by Director Urban,J&K ERA,Director Transport/Central, all the Project Managers of JKERA besides social & resettlement staff of JKERA and field engineers.
Economic Reconstruction Agency 