Individual role vital to reach balance between development & conservation: Tiwari 

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Dehradun director Saurabh Tiwari said that development along with environmental conservation is not just the responsibility of the authorities. Individuals should also adhere to standards and regulations set by the government so that they too benefit even as the society collectively benefits. Speaking at the dialogue on balancing development and environmental conservation on Wednesday, Tiwari informed that the BIS is in discussions with State authorities to incorporate the National Building Code into departments and agencies like the Public Works Department (PWD).

Tiwari said that ‘growth with green’ relates to a noble purpose. He emphasised that any growth or development should be based on specific criteria that protect the environment. He also said that Uttarakhand has been ranked first in the country in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He highlighted that issues like poverty eradication and climate change result in blame being placed across various sectors. Instead of blaming one another, he urged everyone to focus on introspection and consider how they can contribute to societal development. He informed about existing policies aimed at mitigating environmental challenges, including deforestation and stressed the importance of understanding one’s role in tackling these issues. By doing so, communities will not have to depend solely on authorities for societal development; individuals can also take the initiative.

Tiwari informed the gathering about the various works and initiatives of the BIS in Uttarakhand and across the nation. He explained that past disasters in Kedarnath, Jyotirmath and other remote and mountainous areas can often be traced back to construction practices that do not adhere to proper standards. He stated that policies should formulated based on established benchmarks.

While discussing the importance of standards in construction, water conservation and other aspects, he noted that BIS always involves stakeholders in the standard-making process. He cited various examples of how standards play a crucial role in different aspects of society.  He urged everyone to recognise the importance of standards in their lives, advocating for the establishment of benchmarks.