New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the National Conference of Environment Ministers in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat via video conferencing.
He urged all states at the conference to learn best practices in environmental conservation and implement successful solutions across India.
"Circular economy has been a part of our traditions and culture for years. We need to bring back those practices and inculcate them in our daily lives," PM Modi emphasised, as quoted by news agency ANI.
He further said: "Over the years, Gir's lions, tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinos and leopards have increased in numbers...The warm welcome of the cheetah by India is an example of India's distinct guest hospitality."
"India has set a target of becoming a net zero nation by 2070. Now the nation is focusing on green growth and on green jobs. In order to achieve all these goals, the role of the environment ministry of each state is huge," the Prime Minister told the state ministers.
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Urban Naxals, Anti-Development Elements With Political Backing Stalled Construction Of Sardar Sarovar Dam: PM Modi
PM Modi stressed that without modern infrastructure, the development of the country and efforts to improve the standard of living for citizens cannot be successful. "We have seen how the construction of modern infrastructure in the country was complicated in the name of environment clearance," he remarked.
The former Gujarat chief minister cited the 'Narmada Bachao Andolan' and said: "Urban Naxals and anti-development elements having political backing had stalled the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam by running a campaign that the project will harm the environment. Huge amount of money was wasted because of this delay. Now, when the dam is complete, you can very well judge how dubious their claims were", news agency PTI reported.
"These urban Naxals are still active. I urge you to make sure that projects aimed at bringing ease of doing business or ease of life do not get unnecessarily stalled in the name of the environment. We must have a balanced approach to counter the conspiracy of such people," he told the environment ministers.
PM Modi On Water Crisis & India's Share In Global Emissions
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spoke about the challenge of the water crisis as he mentioned that the states where there was an abundance of water are now facing a shortage. "This is a challenge not only for the water-related department, but the environment department as well," he said.
PM Modi further said: "Today's new India is moving ahead with new thinking, new approach. India is a rapidly developing economy and is continuously strengthening its economy. Our forest cover has increased and wetlands are also expanding rapidly."
He also emphasised that India's share in Global Emissions due to wildfire may be negligible, "but we have to be aware from now on." "Forest Fire Fighting Mechanism should be streghthened in every state," he added.
The Prime Minister spoke about the Centre's Parivartan Portal, a single-window mode for all types of clearances related to the environment. "It is transparent and the rush for approval is also reducing. While environment clearance used to take more than 600 days eight years ago, it takes 75 days today," he said.
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National Conference of Environment Ministers
"Taking forward the spirit of cooperative federalism, Conference is being convened to create further synergy amongst the Central and State Governments in formulating better policies on issues such as Elimination of Plastic Pollution through multi-pronged approach, State Action Plans to effectively combat Climate Change with focus on LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment," a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) informed.
It further stated that the conference will focus on increasing the forest cover with special emphasis on restoration of degraded land and wildlife conservation.
The two-day Conference being organised on Friday and Saturday (September 23 and 24) will have six thematic sessions.
The sessions will focus on topics such as "LiFE, Combating Climate Change (Updating State Action Plans on Climate Change for Mitigation of Emissions and Adaptation to Climate Impacts) ; PARIVESH (Single Window System for Integrated Green Clearances) ; Forestry Management ; Prevention and Control of Pollution; Wildlife Management ; Plastics and Waste Management", the PMO statement mentioned.
(With Agency Inputs)