Workshop on the Training Needs Assessment of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board

Venue: Hotel Maurya, Patna

Date: 23rd December, 2013 

Centre for Science and Environment collaborated with the World Bank to build the technical capacity of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB). The scope of the programme includes conducting training needs assessment, organising training programmes and exposure visits to enhance the technical expertise of the Board officials. The first step towards carrying out this project was conducting a training needs assessment exercise. A two member CSE team carried out training needs survey at the BSPCB from 9-11 December, 2013.

The findings from the survey were released and discussed in a workshop on 23rd December, 2013 at Patna. The event was attended by the Shri D K Singh Secretary (Environment and Forests), Government of Bihar and Professor S C Singh Chairman, BSPCB alongwith 25 other Board officials. 

The workshop highlighted the challenges faced by Bihar SPCB and discussed ways ahead. The Chairman expressed concern over the manpower crisis in the Board and informed that they are in talks with the Secretary (Environment and Forests) and if everything goes well they will soon recruit new people in the Board. Secretary, Shri D K Singh informed the audience about the initiatives taken by the Government of Bihar in building the capacity of Pollution Control Board and promised his support for the same. 

Based on the feedback received from Bihar State Pollution Control Board officers and interaction with other stakeholders CSE has identified certain crucial capacity building areas. These are not only important for BSPCB but also for other stakeholders. 

• Training programme on waste management for the officials of Bihar State Pollution Control Board, Nagar Nigam/Nagar Parishad and Urban development departments. 

• Training programme on sewage treatment technologies and the role of decentralised wastewater treatment system for the officials of Bihar State Pollution Control Board, Bihar Rajya Jal Parishad and Urban development departments. 

• Training programme on monitoring and compliance of industries for the officials of Bihar State Pollution Control Board.

• Exposure visit to learn best practices in industries for the officials of Bihar State Pollution Control Board.

• Exposure visit to learn innovative waste management practices for the officials of Bihar State Pollution Control Board, Nagar Nigam/Nagar Parishad and Urban development departments.

• Training programme on pollution monitoring techniques and instrumentation for the officials of Bihar State Pollution Control Board.

The audience participated enthusiastically in the workshop and gave suggestions for a programme tailor made to address the needs of BSPCB. CSE will incorporate the major recommendations raised in the event in its capacity building programme starting January 2014.