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Tag: lagos

  • Experts, cleric urge FG to address economic challenges

    Health experts and a cleric have called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the current economic challenges in the country, to check the rate of suicide among Nigerians.

    They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday while reacting to the increasing cases of suicide in the country.

    The World Health Organisation reports that every 40 seconds, one person commits suicide somewhere in the world, which tallies to 800,000 suicides annually.

    The experts noted that in the last few months in Nigeria, cases of suicide that came to public knowledge had increased and stressed the need for increased government attention in reducing the problem.

    Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, identified poverty, high debt, deprivations, unemployment, job stress and insecurity as related to the current economic challenges in Nigeria.

    Oluwaniyi said that the recession was affecting the mental health of some Nigerians, adding that it had also triggered high cases of depression, attempted suicide and other forms of mental illnesses.

    He, however, advised members of the public not to be silent about their emotional and psychological problems but seek help from mental health experts.

    A Clinical Psychologist, Mr Nathaniel Ayodeji of the Mental Health Foundation, said that suicide had a lot of underlying factors such as feelings of pain, loss, depression, broken relationships and hopelessness.

    Ayodeji said that although suicide was regarded as a despicable act in the nation’s culture, many people had been forced into the act as a result of frustration, economic pressures and sense of hopelessness.

    ”This social problem is a threat to the future of our country and the government needs to act immediately by fixing the economy before the situation goes out of control, ” Ayodeji said.

    Rev. Fr. Albert Ebosele of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Sokoto state, called on parents, families, relations, neighbours to watch out and observe others.

    This he said was necessary to prevent sudden behavioural changes that might lead to suicide.

    ”The government, family, institution and individuals can save the situation. We should observe our environment and be watchful of people living around us.

    ”The government and orientation agencies should develop orientation campaigns and counseling in schools, markets, workplace, to advocate change and impart on peoples’ behaviour.

    ”People should look up to God and seek His help instead of ending their lives,’’ he said.

    Also, Dr Bolanle Ajayi, a Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro- Psychiatrist Hospital, Yaba, advised Nigerians to adopt proper income planning and management of their emotions.

    The precautionary measures he said became necessary to prevent the high rate of mental illness which could be dur to the current economic recession in the country.

    “No doubt about it, there is economic recession going on in our country and a lot of people are being affected.

    `Even in our wards now, we see a lot of people coming down with depressive illness, suicide, depression, deliberate self-harm and by the time we look at the primary cause of these illnesses, it is actually this ongoing recession.

    “Some people are psychologically affected, socially affected and emotionally affected.

    ”Some people have the ability to bring it out and get over it while some of us do not have such abilities.

    “However, the general advice to the public in this economic recession is that, you do your beat, whatever you earn, you have to plan.

    “ The era of I spend the money when the money comes is gone.

    ‘’The era we are now is, when the money comes you sit down on a round table in your house and do a proper plan on your money.

    ‘’This is because you don’t know when another one will come in.

    “As individuals, we have to try and manage our emotions; we have to shift a bit. That means that I have to row with the economic recession so as not to affect my own emotional and mental state.

    “We don’t want more people breaking down with psychiatric illness because of recession, ” Ajayi said.

    One of the recent cases of suicide in Nigeria is that of one Dr Allwell Orji,who on Sunday,jumped into the Lagoon in Lagos

  • Businessman in court for stabbing colleague with broken bottle

    A 29-year-old businessman, Chukwubuke Nweyeofor, who allegedly stabbed one Mnaduabuchi Nwogu with a broken bottle, was on Monday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The accused, who resides at No 27, Eligauze St., Ajao Estate, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of breach of peace and assault.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Rita Momoh, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 3, at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos.

    She said that the accused assaulted the complainant by stabbing him with a bottle all over his body.

    “The accused inflicted severe injuries on the complainant,” Momoh said.

    The prosecutor alleged that trouble started after the accused and complainant made N2, 000 profit on a business they did together, and the accused refused to give the complainant his share.

    “They helped a man to buy some motor parts and gained N2, 000 from the business.

    “When the complainant went to get his N1, 000 from the accused, he claimed he had spent it.

    “He insisted on collecting his share of the money, but the accused got angry and used the broken bottle on his eye, head, neck and stomach.

    “The complainant fainted; some traders in the market rushed him to the hospital and reported the matter to the police,” she said.

    The offences contravened Sections 166 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused, according to the provisions of Section 172, may bag as much as four years imprisonment, if found guilty.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The Magistrate, Mr MKO Fadeyi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until April 5, for mention.

     

  • FESTAC 77 @ 40: CBAAC boss seeks active participation of Nigerians

    FESTAC 77 @ 40: CBAAC boss seeks active participation of Nigerians

    Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, Director General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) on Monday,called on Nigerians to ensure full participation in celebration of FESTAC 77 at 40.

    He made the plea while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, adding that this was to ensure that Nigerian cultural heritage was celebrated and promoted beyond the shores of the country.

    Anikwe who noted the complacency of some Nigerians towards most cultural programmes, said this should serve as a wakeup call to all citizens within and outside the country.

    ” I want us all to erase that thinking pattern and assumption that the celebration is bringing back the fetish nature of Nigerians.

    ” This is outrightly wrong and I believe everything that has to do with FESTAC 77 is an exhibition of our rich cultural heritage which we must celebrate this year,” he said.

    Anikwe said that the event would hold in over ten states including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) where the Mascot would be unveiled by April 1.

    He said that different cultural displays would be held in some states including Katsina, Enugu, Ogun, Kaduna, Akwa- Ibom and some foreign countries.

    ” The celebration would be all through the year and it promises to be eventful and memorable.

    ” We are going to have Durbar display in Katsina , there will be masquerade festivals in Enugu and some other cultural activities in other parts of the country,” he said.

    Anikwe said that if Nigerian cultural heritage was well celebrated, promoted and properly harnessed, it could be a money spinner for individuals and the country.

  • Update: Drowned doctor showed no sign of depression at work

    Update: Drowned doctor showed no sign of depression at work

    The medical doctor who jumped into the Lagos Lagoon on Sunday, Allwell Oji showed no sign of depression when he was at work last Friday.

    Co-staff at the Mushin branch of the hospital told our reporter on Monday morning that Oji  was usually on night duty.

    It was learnt that the deceased is still single.

    Further inquiries about Oji was referred to the Surulere headquarters of the hospital.

    In what appeared to be a suicide, Oji jumped into the Lagoon  at 4:45pm on Third Mainland Bridge while on his way to Victoria Island where he was going to attend a Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) meeting.

    Oji, who left from his house at Abule Ijesha in Yaba, was said to have told his driver, Henry Ita, to park his Nissan Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked LND476EE at the Adeniji Adele end of the bridge on the excuse that he wanted to pee. As he came down, the doctor was said to have climbed the bridge’s rail guide and jumped into the ocean.

    Search for Oji’s body by officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) and security agents is still on.

     

     

     

  • Doctor jumps into Lagos lagoon

    Doctor jumps into Lagos lagoon

    •Police lead rescue operation

    In what appeared to be a suicide, a medical doctor, Allwell Oji, jumped into the Lagos lagoon yesterday. The incident happened at 4:45pm on Third Mainland Bridge when Oji, 35, was on his way to Victoria Island where he was going to attend a Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) meeting.

    Oji, who left from his house at Abule Ijesha in Yaba, was said to have told his driver, Henry Ita, to parked his Nissan Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked LND476EE at the Adeniji Adele end of the bridge on the excuse that he wanted to pee. As he came down, the doctor was said to have climbed the bridge’s rail guide and jumped into the ocean.

    Oji is said to be a staff of the Isolo branch of Mt. (Mount) Sinai Hospital.

    A commercial bus passenger, who gave his name as Uche Magnus, said the doctor jumped into the ocean immediately after he came down from his vehicle.

    Magnus said: “I saw everything clearly from where I sat in the commercial bus I was in. The man came down from his jeep and jumped into the water instantly. We all screamed and begged the commercial bus driver to stop. I saw the man when he jumped but nobody could identify the spot where he drowned in the ocean.”

    In the ensuing confusion, Ita was said to have called Oji’s mother and pastor. Both arrived the scene some 30 minutes after. It was learnt that the sympathisers at scene called the Lagos Police emergency unit, which deployed Rapid Response Squad (RRS) riders and marine police to the scene.

    When The Nation got to the scene at 5:30pm, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), RRS Area Alpha Commander and Officer-in-Charge of Marine Police Team were coordinating rescue operation. The response team of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) was also at the scene.

    At 5:50pm, Oji’s SUV and his driver were moved to the Adeniji Central Police Station.

    When asked to explain how the incident happened, Ita, who was yet to come to terms with the incident, said could not utter a word as he was being led into the DPO’s office. He folded his arms and looked at the floor.

    Oji’s mother was restless, as she was being consoled by the pastor. The pastor came out of the DPO’s office to pray beside Oji’s SUV. As he said the prayers, he moved round the vehicle with the hope that the rescue opera

    The Nation was not allowed to speak to the driver. At the time of this report, operatives of RRS and Marine Police Unit were still searching for the victim.

    General Manager Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Adesina Tiamiyu, confirmed the incident.

    He said: “The Agency received a distress call about a man who parked his grey coloured Nissan Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number LND 476 EE at about 4.50pm today Sunday, (yesterday) around Adekunle, inward Third Mainland Bridge and jumped into the Lagos Lagoon.

    “Preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that the man, said to be medical doctor named Orji, was driven by his driver. He suddenly ordered the driver to pull over, got out of the car and suddenly jumped into the water from the bridge.

    “The vehicle and the driver have been taken to Adeniji Adele Police Station for further investigation, while effort is on going to recover his body from the Lagoon.

  • Police arrest fake CSP in Lagos

    Police arrest fake CSP in Lagos

    The Police in Lagos have arrested a man for allegedly parading himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

    Lagos State Police spokesman, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, who confirmed the arrest, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday for terrorising the public in a CSP uniform in Surulere area.

    “At about 4pm on March 16, the command operatives attached to Area ‘C’ Command, Surulere, arrested the suspect following reliable information.

    “The suspect over the years has been parading himself as a police officer and extorting money and other valuables from unsuspecting public.

    “The suspect was intercepted under the National Stadium Bridge, Surulere where he was about to resume his criminal activities.

    “On sighting the patrol team, the suspect took to his heels, but was given a hot chase that resulted to his arrest at Shitta Area of Surulere.

    “A walkie-talkie, a Lagos State Ministry of Transportation identity card bearing the name, Olayiwola Animashaun and his passport photograph, were found in his possession,” he said.

    The spokesman said the suspect later led the detectives to his residence where exhibits, including a traffic taskforce reflective jacket, police statement forms, and a machete, were recovered from his house.

    Famous-Cole said the suspect confessed that he was a former staff of the Lagos State Government but currently without a job.

    “He confessed to be operating mostly around Tejuosho, Ojuelegba and National Stadium areas,” the police spokesman said.

    Famous-Cole advised the public to be wary of individuals who present themselves as police officers with no proof of official identification.

    He urged the public to question such people and alert other security agencies when the need arises.

    The spokesman said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation was completed. (NAN)

  • Electricity company apologises for prolonged power outage in Lagos

    The management of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Sunday apologised to consumers in Ajah, Lagos and environs over the protracted power outage in the communities.

    Mr Godwin Idemudia, General Manager, Corporate Communications of the company, said in Lagos that the outage being experienced by Ajah, Ogombo, Ajiwe and some neighbouring communities was due to a faulty equipment.

    Idemudia, however, said that repair work to resolve the issue was ongoing by the technical crew of EKEDC and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

    He assured the consumers that electricity supply would be restored on Monday.

    “We wish to apologise to all our customers in the Ajah area and its environs over the recent long period of outage being experienced.

    “This outage has been due to faulty equipment which is being worked on by EKEDC and TCN. Normal supply should be back by Monday, March 20.

    “Kindly bear with us as we find lasting solution to this.

    “EKEDC highly regrets any inconveniences caused by this outage,” Idemudia said in a statement. (NAN)

  • Lagos church offers members homes, jobs

    Lagos church offers members homes, jobs

    When Mrs. Funmilola Adebowale left her 62, Lamina Street, Egbe, in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area for the hospital, her mission was to find out why she could not get pregnant.

    She was shocked by the result – fibroid, kidney and ovary problems.

    Her inability to afford the medical bills, even in government-owned hospitals, forced her to seek help elsewhere and The Saints Gospel Church of Christ (a.ka. The Hand of Fire) was her first bus stop.

    Mrs. Adebowole was just one of those battling with life-threatening ailments that got spiritual succour at the Church.

    They all relived how they traversed many hospitals, spending their life-savings without getting the desired relief.

    She said: “I have to abandon my home because the doctors have told me that that one of my kidneys had gone bad and that the second one was also affected.

    “After weeks of sleeping and praying in the church without paying for my feeding and accommodation, God healed me. I went back to the hospital for another test which showed that my kidneys, ovaries and fibroid problems had gone.”

    Mrs. Ayo Ajayi, a resident of 21, Alagbelebu Street, Kudeinbu Estate, Ijegun, was in tears as she recounted how she relocated to the church after her family discharged her from the hospital where she was receiving treatment from acute diabetes.

    Her words: “After sometimes, the diabetes led to swollen legs to the extent that doctors recommended the amputating of my two legs. I rejected the doctor’s verdict and opted for spiritual solution.

    “Before I took that decision, I was admitted at a highbrow hospital in Lagos where I paid N500, 000 to do the registration apart from the heavy medical bills that I was paying.

    “It was when the hospital management insisted that that my legs would be amputated after paying N3.5 million that I settled for a spiritual solution. I was healed after intensive prayers in the church.”

    ‘Terribly ill’ Mrs Ade Omojuwa was rushed to the church. The people’s verdict was that she was going to die.

    She explained how she has been living in the church for 18 years with access to the basic things of life.

    Mrs. Abigail Onabanjo from Ibadan in Oyo State narrated how she was brought in to the church blind after paying over N4 million in conventional hospitals and spiritual homes without regaining her sight.

    ”It was an herbalist who could not restore my sight that brought me here. I give God the glory because it was four days after I got to the Hand of Fire. I had even brought a ‘dead relation’ here who was instantly raised.

    Wife of an Islamic cleric, Adejoke Olarinoye, relived how hard he tried to have a baby without success.

    She said: “It was the same month that I relocated to the church that I became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy.”

    The issue of barrenness also brought Mrs. Rachael Ige to the church. She explained how she got pregnant and the trauma she went through, thanking God for perfecting her miracles.

    ”Today, I am a proud mother of children,” Ige said.

    Pastor Jacob Sodeinde, who returned from the United Kingdom (UK) on August 14, 1992 to found The Saints Gospel Church of Christ, described church leaders living big on the tithes and offerings of their poor congregation as ungodly.

    Those who reside within the church premises confirmed that indigent members of the congregation live in the chalets free of charge.

    Many of them have been helped to secure jobs, either within the church or elsewhere with some women given free shops and take-off grants to start petty trading.

    Their children also enjoy scholarships from a scheme initiated by Pastor Sodeinde, who is the General Overseer.

    According to the cleric, his divine call and return from the UK was used by God to avert what he called “a 30-year civil war” that would have engulfed the nation after the June 12 1993 presidential election logjam.

    The Saints Gospel Church of Christ (a.k.a. Hand of Fire) may be demonstrating how the early missionaries applied church funds by attending to the physical and spiritual needs of members at its Lagos headquarters in Igando, a Lagos suburb.

  • Lagos names Kunle Afolayan board member culture council

    PROLIFIC filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has been appointed into the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.

    In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the filmmaker was touted as a man of integrity, selfless service with past records of impressive performances.

    “In approving your appointment,” Bello said, “due cognizance has been taken of your integrity, selfless service and past records of impressive performance. I, therefore, have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on your newly assigned responsibility and continue to justify the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency, the Governor.”

    Attached to his letter of appointment was a copy of the “Code of Conduct for Political Appointees in Lagos State Public Service which clearly highlights the expectations of Government in respect of the job.

    The appointment was effective March 6, 2017.

    It was clear from the social media post of the filmmaker, released on Thursday, that he (Afolayan) has accepted the offer.

    He said: “It is time to serve the people. I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as a member of the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture with effect from 6th of March, 2017.”

    Urging his fans to be diligent, he recited the Lagos State slogan of passion for progress – “Itesiwaju ipinle Eko lo je wa logun.”

    The appointment came few days after he wrapped up production of his three new movies; ‘Roti’, ‘Omugwo’ and ‘Tribunal’ – all shot within 40 days, in partnership with Africa Magic.

    ‘Omugwo’ is due for cinema release on April 7, 2017, while ‘Roti’ and ‘Tribunal’ will be released on June 30, 2017 and July 17, 2017 respectively.

  • Lagos eyes 27,500 jobs in new environmental policy

    Lagos eyes 27,500 jobs in new environmental policy

    Barring the unforeseen, the implementation of the harmonised environmental law will start. BUNMI OGUNMODEDE writes on the dos and don’ts of the new environmental policy 

    WITH the Environmental Management and Protection Bill signed into Law by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the stage is set for the implementation of a new policy on the environment in the State of Aquatic Splendour.

    The relevant ministries and agencies are bracing for the implementation of the law signed by the governor on March 1.

    A source at the Ministry of the Environment told The Nation yesterday that the take-off date will soon be announced by the government.

    After appending his signature, the governor expressed optimism that the law would go a long in securing the public health safety of residents, especially children. Ambode recalled how his administration, in its early days,  decided to overhaul the state’s environmental, waste management and handling practices and also to harmonise all existing environmental laws.

    The governor said the sanitation law, as bequeathed to his administration, needed to be reworked in line with Lagos’ mega city status.

    The law, when operational, will drive the adoption of innovative technology to tackle existing environmental problems in the state.

    According to him, since the provisions of the inherited environmental laws were outdated and no longer applicable to modern-day realities, the government swung into action and came up with a model that would have sanitation as its centerpiece.

    The governor said: “While charting a new direction, it became quickly apparent that the government on its own would struggle to bear the cost of wholesale changes while meeting its other obligations in other equally vital sectors.

    “It was necessary to make investor-friendly laws that attract the type of capital we need to advance  our development agenda and achieve our sustainability goals. We believe it is worth the risk involved in changing the legislative framework if the reward is a healthier and cleaner Lagos for our children – our future.”

    Under the new dispensation – the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), the commercial sector would be serviced by licensed as waste managers. A consortium of environmental service providers, among them some globally-acclaimed waste management companies, will provide waste collection, processing and disposal services for residential properties under a long-term concession arrangement.

    The consortium will be expected to deploy a large multi-dimensional fleet of over 20 landfill and Transfer Loading Station (TLS) management vehicles, 590 rear-end loader compactors, 140 operational vehicles and about electronically-tracked 900,000-litre bins that would be monitored by Public Utilities Monitoring Assurance Unit (PUMAU) of the Environment Ministry.

    “I am delighted that our bill has been signed into law. Under this initiative, we have (referring to the public and private sector) worked collectively to make laws that will result in historic environmental victories,” Ambode said after signing the bill.

    New role for KAI brigades

    The new law mandates the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) to review and regulate all waste management activities within the state. It has also rebranded the sanitation police – Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) – and gave a new identity – Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LASECORPS).

    According to the provision of the law, the agency will oversee the enforcement of ‘stringent’ penalties to be imposed on defaulters. The governor said that LASECORPS’s performance evaluations and remuneration will be tied to the number of actionable fines they issue for non-compliance with the law.

    The agency will be saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and maintaining surveillance on the highways, streets, public drainages, canals, markets and parks. It will also have the primary role of ensuring that citizens fulfil their civic duty by paying the Public Utilities Levy (PUL). The PUL is a property-based charge payable by tenements for the management of solid and liquid waste, waste water and environmental intervention for the state.

    It an annual charge that will take effect as the rollout commences will replace all service fees previously paid to the waste management authorities.

    Zero tolerance for street trading

    One of the highlights of the new law is the prohibition of street trading.  It stated: “It is an offence to engage in street trading on the major highways and streets of Lagos and sell in an unapproved market in Lagos while every owner, tenant and occupier of any shop, kiosks, space or stall in any market within the state shall, on a regular basis, ensure the cleanliness of his space.”

    To ensure sparkling streets and a dirt-free environment, commercial vehicles operating within the metropolis must carry litter bins to discourage indiscriminate dumping of waste from the vehicle.

    The law states: “If the driver fails to provide the litter bin, the driver will also be penalized alongside the passenger or the occupier of the vehicle who commits the offence.”

    War on illegal structures

    The law has further empowered relevant government agencies to clampdown on all illegal structures. House and kiosks built on sewage systems and drainage alignments would be demolished.

    The office of drainage services will henceforth approve boreholes and any other structure connected with water supply.

    According to the governor, there would be no compromise on the application and implementation of the new policy.

    He said: “Compliance is the key. The burden of the cost of providing these services will remain low if everyone does his or her part and pays the Public Utilities Levy (PUL).

    “With the repositioned LASECORPS, we will work within the community to enforce the new laws. The state will have a zero-tolerance policy for offenders because disregarding payment of your PUL or flouting the new regulations ultimately promotes activities that lead to the loss of lives.”

    “We have worked closely with the public in determining the rates and have succeeded in keeping this levy relatively low.”

    Trust Fund coming

    The PUL will be a major contribution to the state’s ongoing efforts at addressing severe challenges that are peculiar to Lagos because of its rising urbanisation. The money will be held in the Environmental Trust Fund (LSETF) being proposed and managed meticulously by a Board of independent Security Exchange Commission (SEC) regulated trustees.

    The Trust Fund, which will be chaired by the Commissioner for the Environment, is aimed at promoting the development and sustenance of the state’s performance in managing its environment.

    It will create a system that can attract funds from persons, organisations and authorities in tackling environmental issues. The trust fund will also promote the creation of job opportunities for the youth in waste management and waste recycling, among others

    LASECORPS’s performance evaluations and remuneration will also be tied directly to the number of actionable fines they issue for non-compliance. The sanitation Corps will be supported by the PUMAU.

    Defaulters of these laws will face stiff penalties, including payment of fines, ranging from N250, 000 to N5, 000,000 and/or imprisonment.

    Ambode said: “The primary driver of the new bill and the initiatives that we have undertaken is not just cosmetic but to save lives. Therefore, we will unapologetically prosecute offender to the full extent of the law.

    “We will make Chief Executive Officer (CEOs) accountable, from the very top to the bottom, and the law is very specific about the consequences of non-compliance.”

    Toxic waste, smoke-emitting vehicles, generators banned

    The harmonisation of the various environmental laws and the signing of the bill, the governor has secured the needed legal teeth to turn into reality his vision of ensuring that every resident’s access to a right to a clean, safe and healthy environment.

    In the newly promulgated law, no person or group of persons shall dump over any toxic waste capable of causing harm in the state and all emissions from vehicles, plants and equipment including generating plants in residential, commercial and industrial areas within the state must mandatorily meet air emission standard.

    Similarly, the new law will ensure that no manufacturing of chemicals, lubricants, petroleum products, gases, quarry, cement (except for those used in construction), takes place in a residential premise. The law prescribed that any manufacturer of such items will procure an insurance policy from an approved insurance company.

    Also, under the law, every owner or occupier of a facility who uses, stores, keeps and maintains underground storage tanks and surface storage tanks shall register such tanks with the enforcing authority while a facility monitoring and inspection exercise shall be carried out on all sites with surface or underground tanks periodically to determine the integrity of the facility involved while the soil test of the immediate environment shall be carried out as required.