PUNE: “The Customs department is taking efforts in safeguarding the economic and ecological wealth of the nation; especially, the strong implementation of global ban on the import of Ozone-depleting substances, CITES Convention that bans illegal cross border trade of endangered flora and fauna,” said acclaimed environmental scientist and Advisor to the Maharashtra State Government on Environment, Forest, Human Resettlement and Rehabilitation Affairs Dr Afroz Ahmad.
He was speaking during the inauguration of International Customs Day on Monday, celebrated at GST Bhawan. Chief Commissioner of CGST and Customs, Pune Zone, Vasa Seshagiri Rao presided over the function. Rao introduced the theme for International Customs Day this year as ‘Contribution of Customs towards a sustainable future where social, economic, health and environmental needs are at the heart of our activities’, with the slogan ‘Customs fostering sustainability for People, Prosperity and the Planet’.
In his speech, Dr Ahmad emphasised upon the importance of coordination between agencies such as Customs, Forests and Police in achieving the larger interest of protecting environment.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Pune, Vivek Khandekar emphasised on the need for sustainable development and advocated inter-departmental convergence in achieving the same.
During the celebration, Dr Ahmad released ‘Seema Tarangini’, the in-house Hindi magazine of Pune Customs digitally, as an ebook and audio-book, in line with this year’s theme. A short film titled ‘Pune Customs - Sadaiva Agragamanam’ depicting the multidimensional role played by Pune Customs was also released by the Chief Commissioner, CGST & Customs, Pune Zone. During the event, the trade, the stakeholders and various government organisations were felicitated for their active support and cooperation. The officers and staff were awarded commendation certificates for their meritorious and outstanding performance.
