The Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, (Independent Charge), Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that India will ensure peoples’ participation in mitigating climate change. Addressing the first meeting of Environment Ministers of BRICS in Moscow today, Shri Javadekar said that India will launch ‘Fresh air, my birth right’, ‘Save Water, Save Energy’, ‘Grow More Plants’ and Urban green’ and other campaigns for mass awakening and ensuring peoples’ participation.
The following is the text of the Minister’s speech on the occasion:
“The success of BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting lies in its decision to launch a cooperation on environmental issues by setting up a steering committee to coordinate efforts and sharing of technologies and best practices. The 1st meeting of Environment Ministers of BRICS countries is a major initiative depicting the seriousness attached to various issues related to environment.
There are many issues related to water, air, industrial pollution, waste management, sewerage treatment etc. which can be effectively tackled by joint efforts among the BRICS countries.
India has already revamped its solid waste, e-waste, plastic waste, bio-medical waste and hazardous waste management rules and has put it on the website for public consultation. India wants to involve people at all levels in managing environmental issues.
India will ensure peoples’ participation in mitigating climate change. This participation is the key factor, as it will create more awareness, make people a partner and ultimately lead to lifestyle changes, which is the need of the hour.
Rural India has already a lifestyle which is sustainable and environmental friendly. The urban centres all over the world need to conserve energy, save water and lead a lifestyle which is eco-friendly.
India will launch “Fresh air, my birth right”, “Save Water, Save Energy”, “Grow More Plants” and “Urban green” and such other campaigns for mass awakening and ensuring peoples’ participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confident that India will lead by example in its effort to combat climate change as Indian lifestyle is simple, stresses on need-based consumption and uses less energy.
Technology development, technology transfer and finance are important for developing world for taking more robust actions. The cooperation of the developed world is needed in this respect, as the cumulative efforts of the world and our joint actions will impact the climate in a positive way.
Peoples’ participation adds a new dimension, as it paves way for a responsible community action.”