TERI makes sustainable development proposals for new government

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Tuesday prepared for the new government recommendations for sustainable development on issues of waste management, introducing energy efficient resources, and water and sanitation safety plans.

"Environmental issues are often presented within a framework of conflict between environment and development. TERI has attempted a refreshing departure, which provides a price tag on the damage that poor environmental quality and degradation is imposing on human society and how substantially lower-cost action can avoid this burden," TERI director general R.K. Pachauri said in a statement.

The recommendations include development of water and sanitation safety plans for the Jal Boards and urban/rural local bodies, sanitation services to be made mandatory, improvement in fuel quality and advancement of vehicular emissions norms to reduce vehicular emissions, and control air pollution.

"TERI has proposed a few quick solutions which are basic and easy to implement. The measures will not only reduce the costs of inaction, but improve the lives of millions in a sustainable manner," added Pachauri.

TERI recommends a strong waste management policy and recycling of waste to ensure that land requirement for ultimate disposal is minimised by adopting resource efficient processes.

The institute also proposed that wind mission be launched at the earliest, and that all urban centres in the country, small or large, should compulsorily provide facilities for pedestrians and non-motorised transport users.