Science Express flagged off to cover 68 cities

Pitching for cleaner environment, Union Ministers today said collaborative efforts and "not blame game" will help address the problems arising out of climate change.
"Climate change is a big problem now. We have to take steps in a concerted and collective way to address it," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said at the launch of Science Express here.
The 16-coach Science Express Climate Action Special train, a collaborative initiative of Ministries of Railways, Environment and Science and Technology, will travel to 68 stations including Agartala in north-east to create awareness across the country about climate change till September 8 this year.

Referring to Paris Agreement, Prabhu said India's contribution in the global pact is immense. "India has a major contribution in Paris Agreement. We are part of the solution, we are not part of the problem."
The main aim of the Paris Agreement, which came into effect on November 4, 2016, is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change and to deal with it effectively.
He said three ministries have collaborated in the Science Express initiative. "The need of the hour is to take steps collectively to achieve the target."

Welcoming the launch of such train, Minister of State for Environment Anil Madhav Dave said there is need for Science Express to connect with thousands of villages.

Science Express, operational since 2007, has so far travelled 1,42,000 km distance and covered 455 locations in the country.
"Science Express, which will travel to many places, is yet to reach 6.5 lakh villages," Dave said and added, "Unless we involve common people in creating awareness about climate chane it it will remain confine to seminars only."
The Environment Minister said everyone has to contribute to address the problem. "We all have a role to play. Blame game is not a solution."
Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said the Science Express has got good response since its launch and there is a need for more such trains.

"We need one such train each year for four years to reach out to every corner of the country. There is a need for involvement of common people for creating awareness."
Referring to the role of transport sector in green house gas emissions, the Railway Minister said steps have been undertaken by his ministry to generate renewable energy like wind and solar power.
"We have firmed up plans to save Rs 41,000 cr in energy bill in the next five years through the use of solar power and other renewable energy," Prabhu said.