PM Modi Calls For Global Boycott Of Single-Use Plastic At UN Event

Talking about India's commitment to protecting forest land, Modi reminded global leaders that India has increased its forest cover by 0.8 million hectares between 2015 and 2017 alone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) gestures as he arrives at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Greater Noida on September 9, 2019. (Photo by Money SHARMA / AFP)

New Delhi: Calling out for a global boycott of single-use plastic at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India will put an end to single use plastic in the coming years. “I believe the time has come for even the world to say good-bye to single use plastic,” PM said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) being held in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. Talking about India's commitment to protecting forest land, Modi reminded global leaders that India has increased its forest cover by 0.8 million hectares between 2015 and 2017 alone. He said, any chopping of trees in India due to developmental projects are compensated by planting more trees. “It would make you happy that India has been able to increase its tree cover. Between 2015 to 2017, India’s tree and forest cover has increased by 0.8 million hectares,” he said. “I would like to announce that India would raise its ambition of the total area that would be restored from its land degradation status, from 21 million hectares to 26 million hectares between now and 2030,” he said. PM Modi told global leaders in attendance at COP 14 how India has 'soil cards' to help the farmers understand the health of the soil. PM highlighted India's Swachh Bharat mission for sanitation, and water conservation efforts. He also appealed for global water action agenda to fight climate change. Proposing a south-south cooperation, he recited sanskrit shlokas reminding India's ancient commitment to holistic and inclusive prosperity which includes climate. (inputs from agencies)