14th, March, 2023

Topic: HPSPCB starts e-waste collection-cum-awareness drive

 

Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains are essential.

Importance for  Prelims: General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization and General Science

Significance for the Mains Exam:

• PAPER-IV: GENERAL STUDIES-I: UNIT II: State of environment reports. Environment protection and pollution control Act and rules.

 

What is the news?

• Chairman, of HP State Pollution Control Board, Sanjay Gupta has started the “e-waste collection drive” with the flag-off of a mobile van today at the head office of Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSBCB). The van would collect e-waste from HP Secretariat and other parts of Shimla city.

Steps taken to raise awareness:

• In order to raise awareness about the importance of proper E-waste disposal and to encourage people for the same, HPSPCB, in collaboration with M/s Karo Sambhav (a Producer Responsibility Organization), was organizing an E-Waste Collection-cum-Awareness drive from 14th to 25th March 2023.
• The mobile van would be stationed at HP Secretariat for two days on 14-15 March 2023 and thereafter would cover various parts of Shimla City including New Shimla-Vikas Nagar Bus Stand, Kasumpti Bus Stand, Devnagar, HP Secretariat, Sanjauli Parking, Bhattakufer during 16-25 March 2023, he added. The campaign was launched for the purpose of raising awareness about the e-waste kiosk.

 

What is e-waste?

• E-waste includes any electronic and electric device that is no longer in use or has reached the end of its life cycle, he said. Due to the toxic materials used in the devices, e-waste can cause significant damage to the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.
• Collected e-waste would be sent to the dismantlers or refurbishers/recyclers for scientific disposal.

 

About HP State Pollution Control Board:

• The H.P. State Pollution Control Board is a nodal agency in the administrative structure of the State Government, for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of environmental programs.

(Source: HP Government)

 

Topic: In Hamirpur, the fair kicks off at the Baba Balak Nath Temple.

 

Himachal HPAS Prelims and Mains are essential.

Importance for  Prelims: History, geography, political, art & culture and socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh.

Significance for the Mains Exam:

• PAPER-IV: GENERAL STUDIES-I: UNIT II: Society and Culture in Himachal Pradesh: Culture, customs, fairs and festivals, and religious beliefs and practices, recreation and amusement.

 

What is the news?

• Today was the first day of the annual Chaitra Mela at the Baba Balak Nath Temple in Deotsidh in the district. The religious flag of the Baba Balak Nath temple was raised by Deputy Commissioner Debasweta Banik, who also took part in the first prayers.
• The festival would last for a month, and people from all over the country and even from other countries would come to pay their respects at the temple.
• The Deputy Commissioner said that the temple trust had made plans to make sure that people who came to the temple had the best facilities possible. She also said that the temple would be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because a lot of worshippers were expected this year.

About Baba Balak Nath Temple,Deotsidh:

• Baba Balak Nath or Sidh Baba Balak Nath is a Hindu god who is worshipped in the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The name of his shrine is “Deotsidh.” It is 45 km from “Hamirpur” and near the border between the districts of Hamirpur and Bilaspur in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
• The Baba Balak Nath Temple is in the village of Chakmoh, which is in the district of Hamirpur. It is on top of a hill in a natural cave that is thought to be Baba’s home. In the cave, an idol of Baba is put there.

(News Source: HP Tribune)