Assam Cabinet fixes speed limits on different types of roads & vehicles

Feb. 10: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on 10 February, several key decisions regarding protecting environment, to phase out single-use plastics, ensure compensatory afforestation, fixing speed limits to reduce accidents, allotment of land to indigenous SHGs etc., among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

KEY DECISIONS:

Fixing Speed Limits:

• In view of increased accidents caused by over-speeding in the state, the Cabinet decided to bring out a notification for speed limit on different types of roads and vehicles.
• It will streamline traffic movement and minimise risk of accidents.
• Draft notification to be placed for views and comments from public for 15 days before finalising.

Ending Single-use Plastic Menace:

► Comprehensive Action Plan:

• Following a clarion call given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Cabinet approved a Comprehensive Action Plan to eliminate single-use plastics
• It also laid down a plan for development of alternatives and scientific disposal of plastic wastes
• Departments of Revenue & Disaster Management, Industries & Commerce, Science & Technology, Urban Development and Environment & Forest will together prepare a roadmap in this regard

►What the Plan seeks to ban:

• Plastic carry-bags less than 75 microns in thickness with effect from September 30, 2021 and carry-bags less than 120 microns in thickness with effect from December 31, 2022
• Earbuds with plastic sticks, plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene (thermocol) used for decoration
• Plates, cups, glasses, cutlery like forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than 100 micron, stirrers.

Boost to Environment Conservation:

• Rationalisation of policy for compensatory plantation of trees felled on non-forest land for infrastructure projects
• The Cabinet decided that for every tree felled for any road project in non-forest areas, 10 new trees would be planted to boost green cover in the state.
• All Divisional Forest Officers (Territorial) to finalise demand for plantation of trees in 1:10 ratio — planting 10 trees for every felled tree — in non-forest areas.

Upholding Indigenous People’s Interest:

Land to 44 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed by local indigenous youth in and around Jamugurihat under Naduar Revenue Circle, Sonitpur district to prevent illegal encroachment of land and create meaningful employment for local youth.