Banning phosphate in detergents can be looked into: Javadekar

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today said the government will surely think of banning use of phosphate in detergents when there was an alternative to do so.
"The professor here has given a very good idea. He said why should we use phosphate in detergents when an alternative already exists which is cost-effective; is a better technology and which is clear ...," he said in an interaction with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) students at a seminar on Climate Change here.
"Why not? We can definitely think of banning use of phosphate in detergents," he said.
Javadekar said he would take up the issue with the officials of concerned department and see what best practices could be put to use in making phosphate-free detergents.

"I will definitely take this issue with the officials of the concerned department. We will consider, and see what best practices can be (followed to make phosphate-free detergents)," he added.
Earlier, speaking after inaugurating 'Adamya Chetana Seva Utsav-2015-16' here, Javdekar said that to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan 'Clean India, Green India', Environment Ministry has decided to make environment a people's movement.

Calling the Bengaluru lakes "treasure of Bengaluru", he said they have to be restored to its optimum efficiency.
"Therefore we will do yet another comprehensive review in the month of February of all lakes- conservation, preservation and improvement of all lakes in Bengaluru. Central government will also help," Javdekar said.

"With the help of state government, corporation and other bodies along with people we will make our lakes, our environment clean. Clean lakes, clean Bengaluru will contribute to clean India, green India," he added.
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Later, speaking to reporters in Puducherry after
attending a party rally, Javadekar rubbished Congress' claim that the NDA government was trying to topple its party-run governments, saying "it is not not correct. We do not believe in instability and it is the duty of every party to keep its ranks together."
He said the Prime Minister-Chief Minister cooperative federalism is the hallmark of the Modi government.

Talking about Puducherry, Javadekar said, "The Union Territory is ripe for change and people here want a corruption-free (government) and good governance as is being showcased by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi."
"As a UT, Puducherry is our commitment and we want to develop it in keeping with the expectations of the people. We want people'smandate to reach this goal," he said.
Stating that BJP had started poll preparations in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, he said all organisations and parties believing in Modi's leadership and wanting to be part of the good governance and growth were welcome to join them.

Asked if BJP would go it alone in the May 16 Assembly polls here or firm up alliance with ruling AINRC here, the Union Minister said "we always welcome all those parties and organisations believing in good governance of the Prime Minister."
Earlier addressing a BJP rally, Javadekar, in charge of party's affairs in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, said the BJP would come out Vision Document for development of Puducherry ensuring welfare of all sections of people.
He listed various schemes and programmes implemented by the NDA government and also said that the 'One Rank, One Pension' scheme which was not brought into force by the previous regime for years had now been implemented.