We have forgotten our culture of environment protection: Min

Union Environment minister Harsh Vardhan today said had India continued with its culture of environment protection it would have set a big example before the world.
Terming the present condition of our forests, rivers, air and land as a "matter of serious concern for us", he said our modern lifestyle is responsible for this.
"Environment protection is related to our culture, but we have forgotten our cultural heritage. Had we continued with this heritage of the protection of environment today, we could have presented a big example before the world," he said during a plantation drive at District Park in Paschim Vihar here to mark the 'Van Mahotsav' celebrations.

Noting that plants were a form of God, he pointed out that they absorb carbon dioxide and give us free oxygen.
Terming climate change and global warming as "burning issues" of the world, he said attempts were being made at various levels to resolve these issues.
In this fight against global warming and climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi figures among the prominent leaders of the world, he said.

He also said that the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was established on the Prime Minister's initiative and with the cooperation of France, ISA's office was established in Gurugram and funds have been made available.

The Minister also paid rich tributes to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, one of the founders of Jan Sangh, saying his life was full of sacrifice, he devoted his life and gave a new direction to politics.
He also recalled the contributions of former Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, who passed away in May.