Gujarat CM launches app to complete pollution control formalities

Industrial houses and other establishments can use mobile application to access reports

Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel on Friday launched a mobile application developed by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) for industrial houses, hospitals and urban bodies to apply for clearances as well as check other updates on smartphone.

"Industries of Gujarat can complete pollution control formalities with a click of the mouse. I am happy that today we have launched a mobile application to make it further easy," said Patel, in her inaugural address at Wastech International Summit & Expo, a pre-Vibrant Gujarat summit held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

"Gujarat, thus, becomes the first state to deploy m-governance in a field known for its red tape," added Patel, referring to the obstacles faced by businesspersons in setting up units.

The application can be utilised by the industrial houses for accessing pollution reports, checking status of no-objection certificates, waste water generation details, among other details using the mobile application. The pollution regulator has prepared a mobile app for its already existing software known as extended Green Node (XGN) which is in use since 2010.

National Informatics Centre (NIC), Gandhinagar developed the application, which will be initially available on Android before being made available on Windows and iOS platforms.

Patel further said that the government had sanctioned Rs 40,000 million for creating a network of underground drainage system across 159 municipalities in the state

"In our 159 municipalities, we are creating a network of underground drainage system at a cost of Rs 40,000 million," Patel said, adding that a the state government is encouraging vermi compost units at landfill sites.

Patel said that one of the study reports of Planning Commission highlighted 13 successful models of implementation of environment policies and programmes and Gujarat topped the list with five models.