India will ensure peoples' participation in mitigating impact of climate change: Javadekar

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar has said that India will ensure peoples' participation in mitigating the impact of climate change.

Addressing the first meeting of Environment Ministers of BRICS in Moscow today, 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.

Javadekar said 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 first meeting of Environment Ministers of BRICS countries is a major initiative depicting the seriousness attached to various issues related to environment," he added.

Javadekar said 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," Javadekar said.

"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," he added.

Javadekar said 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," he added.

Javadekar said India will launch "Fresh air, my birthright", "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," he added.

Javadekar further said that 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," said Javadekar.

"Peoples' participation adds a new dimension, as it paves way for a responsible community action," he added.