Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that New India today is fast emerging as a leader in sustainable solutions. He said, from International Solar Alliance to the LiFE movement, India is leading the charge.
Addressing the National Conference of Environment Ministers of all States through video conferencing, Mr. Modi said, New India is progressing with a new approach and new thinking. He said, today India is also a rapidly developing economy and is continuously strengthening its ecology.
The PM said, India’s forest cover has increased and wetlands are also expanding rapidly. He said, over the years, Gir’s lions, Tigers, Elephants, One-Horned Rhinos, and Leopards have increased in numbers. Mr. Modi said, the warm welcome of the cheetah by India is an example of India’s distinct guest hospitality.
PM Modi also urged states to work together to achieve India’s target of net zero emissions by 2070.
Mr, Modi asked states to boost the circular economy and encourage people’s participation in the conservation of the environment for future generations. It will strengthen our efforts towards solid waste management and eradicating single-use plastic he added. He urged all states present at the conference to learn best practices in environmental conservation and implement successful solutions pan India.
PM also stressed the healthy competition among states in implementing various environment-centric policies of the government including biofuel policy, vehicle scrapping policy, etc, and framing a future road map for environmental conservation.
Mr. Modi said the role of the environment ministry is more than a regulator. Mr. Modi said that Environment Ministry needs to work with a participatory and integrated approach with other Ministries.
Prime Minister said the country can not be developed and the standard of living of the citizens can not be improved without modern infrastructure. He asked states to expedite the process of environment clearance by using the Parivesh portal which is a transparent and single-window medium for environmental clearance.
Earlier, Union Minister of Environment Bhupendra Yadav said the two-day conference will focus on LiFE, Combating Climate Change, Forestry Management, Prevention and Control of Pollution, Wildlife Management, Plastics, and Waste Management, etc.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, minister of state for Environment Ashwini Kumar Chaubey were present on the occasion. Environment Ministers and secretaries from all the States are participating in the two-day conference.
