‘Will focus on green growth and green jobs,’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke during the opening session of the National Conference of Environment Ministers of All States in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

Speaking to the assembly, the Prime Minister stressed that the conference will be held when India sets new goals for the next 25 years. Speaking of the importance, the Prime Minister said that the holistic development of Ekta Nagar is an excellent example of an ecological pilgrimage when it comes to forests, water conservation, tourism and our tribal brothers and sisters.

Citing examples from the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the LiFE movement, the Prime Minister noted that India is not only making great strides in renewable energy but is also leading other nations around the world. The Prime Minister said, “Today’s new India is stepping forward with new thinking, new approaches.” The Prime Minister further added that India is a rapidly developing economy and is also continuously strengthening its ecology. “Our forest cover has increased and wetlands are also expanding rapidly,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that today the world is joining India for successfully fulfilling its commitments. “Lions, tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinos and leopards have increased in number over the years. New excitement has returned from the homecoming of the cheetah in Madhya Pradesh a few days ago,” the Prime Minister added.

Highlighting the groundwater issues, the prime minister said that nowadays, water-abundant states also face water scarcity. The Prime Minister noted that the challenges and measures such as chemical-free natural agriculture, Amrit Sarovar and water security are not limited to each department and the Environment Department must also see them as an equally urgent challenge. “It is crucial to work with a participatory and integrated approach from environment ministries. If the vision of the environment ministries changes, I am sure that nature will also benefit.”

Focusing on the alarming rate of wildfires in the western world, the Prime Minister noted that while India’s share of global emissions from wildfires may be negligible, we must remain vigilant at all times. The prime minister stressed that the wildfire suppression mechanism in each state should be technology-driven and robust. Modi also emphasized the training of our forest wardens, who should be given special mention in fighting forest fires.

PM Modi added that the Ministry of Environment is not only a regulator but also a great medium for empowering people economically and creating new job opportunities.

“I think the role of the environment ministry is more that of a promoter of the environment than a regulator,” he said.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav were present on the occasion.

Post your comment
First article