Delivering the Keynote address at the Conclave on Sustainable Growth for MSMEs David lelliott OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh said “The UK works closely with India on Climate Change and today’s event is an important part of our follow up to the ‘Connecting the Dots’ initiative that we launched with Uttarakhand MlAs during His Royal Highness Prince of Wales visit to the state last year”.
“The choice between economic development and tackling climate change is a false one; you can have both. He expressed hope today’s event will help to frame the debate in Uttarakhand and pave the way for tangible initiatives in both, the private and the Government sector.”
Elaborating on the sustainability of the water resources, RD Singh Director, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, said that change of land use from agriculture to urban or industry creates an impact on the environment which impacts economic activity and also creates enhanced pressure on natural resources, including water. Addressing the session Anand Sharma Director, Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, India Meteorological Department said that the start point of planning for reducing environmental footprint is to first asses the current impact position and then work towards achieving the set reduction targets.
He emphasised on giving emphasis on the multiple aspects of footprint mitigation including water & air pollution, waste management etc., in addition to the greenhouse gas emissions. He also highlighted the importance of planning not just for long term but also for the immediate and short term future.