Page 6 - National Conference of Ministers of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Address

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Prime Minister welcomed one and all to Ekta Nagar and
the National Conference of Environment Ministers. The Hon’ble Prime Minister highlighted that
the conference is being held when India is setting new goals for the next 25 years. Talking about
the significance, the Prime Minister said that the holistic development of Ekta Nagar is a prime
example of an environmental pilgrimage when it comes to forests, water conservation, and
tourism.

Giving examples of the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient
Infrastructure, and Life movement, the Prime Minister remarked that India is not just taking huge
strides in the field of renewable energy, but also guiding other nations of the world. The Prime
Minister said, “Today's new India is moving ahead with new thinking, new approach.” The
Prime Minister further went on to add that India is a rapidly developing economy, and it is
continuously strengthening its ecology as well. “Our forest cover has increased and wetlands are
also expanding rapidly”, he added.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister remarked that today the world is joining India because of its track
record of fulfilling its commitments. “Lions, tigers, elephants, one-horned rhinos, and leopards
have increased in numbers over the years. New excitement has returned from the homecoming
of Cheetah in Madhya Pradesh a few days ago”, the Prime Minister added.

Drawing everyone’s attention to the net zero target for the year 2070, the Prime Minister said
that the focus of the country is on green growth and green jobs. He stressed the need to maintain
equilibrium with nature. He also highlighted the role of the environment ministries of the states
in achieving these goals. The Prime Minister said, “I urge all environment ministers to promote
a circular economy as much as possible in the states.” Prime Minister supplemented his
statement by mentioning that it will significantly strengthen the Solid Waste Management
campaign and will free us from the clutches of single-use plastic.

Continuing with the role of the environment ministries, the Hon’ble Prime Minister said that this
role should not be seen in a restricted manner. He lamented the fact that for a long time the
Environment Ministries got labeled more as a regulator. However, the Hon’ble Prime Minister
said, “I think that the role of the Environment Ministry is more as a promoter of the environment
rather than as a regulator.” He asked the states to own the measures like Vehicle Scrapping
policy, and biofuel measures like ethanol blending and strengthen them on the ground. He asked
for healthy competition as well as collaboration among the states to promote these measures.

Throwing light on the groundwater issues, the Hon’ble Prime Minister said that the states with
abundant water are also facing water shortages nowadays. The Prime Minister remarked that the
challenges and measures like chemical-free natural farming, Amrit Sarovar, and water security,
are not limited to the individual departments and the environment department will also have to
consider these as an equally pressing challenge. “It is critical to work with a participative and
integrated approach by the environment ministries. When the vision of the environment
ministries changes, I am sure, nature will also be benefitted.”

While stressing that this work is not just limited to Information Department or the Education
Department, the Hon’ble Prime Minister said that public awareness is another important aspect
of protecting the environment. “As you all are well aware that in the National Education Policy
that has been implemented in the country, a lot of emphasis has been laid on experienced-based
learning”, he added. Hon’ble Prime Minister remarked that this campaign should be led by the
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