Executive, judiciary must work together for sustainable development: Javadekar

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar also highlighted the importance of coal in meeting the nation's energy requirements

Observing that poverty eradication is the goal of the judiciary and the executive, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today stressed on the need for both to work together.

"Poverty eradication is the goal, both for the judiciary and the executive and the nation needs both — environmental protection, as well as growth. The executive and judiciary must work together to ensure sustainable development," Javadekar said.

Stressing that "processes will be transparent" and aimed at "ensuring compliance", he said the judiciary can be a guiding force and ensure compliance.

The minister also reiterated the government's commitment to provide "environmental governance" and highlighted the need to take "policy-based decisions and not indulging in discrimination".

He was speaking at concluding day of the three-day 'International Conference on Rule of Law for Supporting 2030 Development Agenda' here.

Highlighting the importance of coal in meeting the nation's energy requirements, Javadekar said India's coal consumption, in absolute terms, is nearly 50% of what the Western nations consume.

The minister also said the government believes in dialogue and different opinions, and will study the recommendations from the deliberations at the conference.

Addressing the gathering, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said the government remains committed towards making the nation energy-efficient in a sustainable manner.

He said the government was committed to ensuring the safety and protection of environment while moving towards ending poverty and achieving 24x7 power for everyone.

The minister said the cess of Rs 400 per tonne on clean coal is being used for 'Namami Gange' and for encouraging the use of renewable energy.

He also highlighted some of his ministry's initiatives, including aim to provide 24x7 affordable energy for everyone by 2019 and enhancing the target of renewable energy output from 34 Mw to 175 Mw within seven years.