World Environment Day: PM Modi says India is moving ahead with clear road map for environment protection, climate change

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the poor and developing nations are paying the price for the wrong policies of some developed countries highlighting that India has been strongly raising the issue of climate justice with such developed countries. He stated this in a video message at the World Environment Day event in New Delhi. Mr. Modi said the model of development of advanced countries was contradictory for a long time as under this model the thinking of these countries was to develop themselves first then they can think about the environment. He added that with this they achieved the goals of development but the world’s environment had to pay the price. Mr. Modi said, there was no one to object to this attitude of the developed countries for decades but now India has raised the question of climate justice with all these countries.

The Prime Minister asserted that India is focussing on the environment in a big way just like any other area for its growth. He said the government has emphasized green and clean energy in the last nine years. Mr. Modi added that India in the 21st century is moving forward with a clear roadmap on climate change and environmental protection. He also highlighted the initiatives including Green Hydrogen Mission, which focuses on natural farming and a green economy. Mr. Modi said, on the one hand, if India has expanded its 4G and 5G network, it has also enhanced its forest cover.

The Prime Minister further added that while India built 4 crore houses for the poor, there has been a record increase in the number of Wildlife Sanctuaries as well as wildlife in India. The Prime Minister also touched upon the Jal Jeevan Mission and the construction of 50 thousand Amrit Sarovars for water security, India becoming the 5th largest economy in the world and also joining the top 5 countries in renewable energy, increasing agricultural exports and also running a campaign for blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol. He also stated that India has become the base of organizations like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure – CDRI, and the International Big Cat Alliance.

Speaking about mission LiFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment becoming a public movement, the Prime Minister highlighted that the mission is spreading a new consciousness about lifestyle changes to combat climate change.

During the event, Amrit Dharohar Implementation Strategy and Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) were launched. The Prime Minister said, Amrit Dharohar Yojana will ensure the conservation of these Ramsar sites through public participation. He said, Mishti Yojana will help in reviving as well as protecting the mangrove ecosystem of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised adopting an environment-friendly lifestyle to live on earth. He informed that the government has launched the International Big Cat Alliance for the conservation and protection of big cats like tigers, lions and Cheetah as well as conserving their biodiversity areas. He also said India has banned the single use of plastic items.