Environment ministry no more a roadblock: Javadekar

Environment and Forests Minister Prakash Javadekar said Saturday that the government is committed to turn around the ministry's image as a "roadblock" ministry and ensure development without destruction.

"I inherited a negative legacy of the environment ministry that was seen as a speed breaker and a roadblock before I took charge," Javadekar said Saturday while interacting with women journalists at the Indian Women's Press Corps.

"But now, the motto of my ministry is development without destruction and delay," he said.

"If you have to say no to a project say no, but if it has to be a yes, it should happen without delay," he said.

The minister also said that the government's focus is on strict implementation of environment laws.

Javadekar said he will ensure aggressive afforestation and at least three trees will be planted for every tree that is cut.

"I have given clear instruction, three trees need to be planted for every tree that is cut. We will be doing afforestation majorly and create a carbon sink," he said.

He said he will soon be holding a meeting with officials for the afforestation project.

"Nearly 8 percent out of 24 percent forest land is degraded. We will undertake afforestation on that land," he said.

He also took pride in making the process for forest and environmental clearances transparent, stating that the file for every clearance can now be tracked online.