Protecting mother earth is our moral responsibility: Dr. Harsh Vardhan in UN Environment assembly

NewsBharati    06-Dec-2017
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Nairobi, December 6: While pollution is becoming a global threat day by day, Over 4,000 heads of state, ministers, business leaders, UN officials and civil society representatives have gathered in Kenyan Capital Nairobi. Third UN Environment assembly has started with the theme Towards a Pollution-Free Planet. From India Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has participated in the assembly where he reaffirmed India’s commitment to put forward a healthy and sustainable way of living.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that a healthy environment is necessary for eradicating poverty. The Minister also added that the legitimate priority and needs of developing countries and their rights to equitable access to sustainable development for the achievement of sustained economic growth and social progress need to be taken into account.

Whereas almost every time, we focus on governmental policies to reduce pollution, the contribution of citizens and promoting sustainable lifestyles are important to achieve a pollution-free planet. “Protecting mother earth is not just our political or social obligation but it is our moral responsibility”, he said.

In his statement, he also mentioned Swacchh Bharat Mission to attain the vision of a Clean India by October 2, 2019; National Mission for Clean Ganga Campaign; India’s Nationally Determined Contributions centre around India’s policies and programmes on promotion of clean energy, especially renewable energy, enhancement of energy efficiency and launch of the largest waste-to-energy plant at Narela, Delhi in 2017.

On the sidelines of the summit, he had a bilateral meeting with the EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella. They discussed various issues pertaining to climate changes. They also discussed further strengthening of co-operation between EU and India especially on the circular economy, waste management, water, pollution control.