Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that efforts made for environment conservation by linking people are successful. Plantation of 7.14 crore saplings is possible in a day, remarkable initiative for river conservation could be taken, if society decides so. Foundation of these remarkable successes is efforts made by the Government by keeping the society ahead.
Chouhan was addressing the inaugural session of a national conference at the Administration and Management Academy here on Saturday. The two-day National Conference 2017 on Environment is being organized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Chouhan mentioned that environment conservation cannot be carried out by the Government alone. Society's participation is must. Plantation undertaken on July 2 is the clear evidence. Plantation has become a matter of pride as there was a celebratory atmosphere towards plantation on the banks of Narmada river.
Non-participation in plantation was considered as a reason of public embarrassment. He further said that plantation work will be carried out constantly at different places every year. Madhya Pradesh has become the savior State for rivers owing to conservation of Narmada river.
Works to conserve Tapti, Betwa and Kshipra will be undertaken from next year. Narmada is a lifeline of the State. It is a source of electricity, irrigation and potable water. He will not let Narmada flow decline at any cost. Beside plantation, efforts are being made towards installation of sewerage plant in all the 18 cities situated on the banks of river Narmada, immersion of poojan material in kunds, construction of moksh dhams for performing last funeral rites and to generate electricity from garbage. Ban has been imposed on sale of liquor on both the banks of the river.
Chouhan appreciated the remarkable efforts undertaken by the NGT in the field of environment conservation. He emphasized on the need for keeping strong approach by the NGT to make the earth safe for the living beings. He urged that conservation of forests and environment is the responsibility of all. Deliberations on safety of animals and human beings should be made.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said that change in views towards the environmental challenges is the need of the time. Deliberation should be made to ascertain approach. Giving an example of Sal tree, he mentioned that caterpillars destroy 18 lakh Sal trees in 20 years. Hence, there is a need for development and research towards such kind of environmental challenges. Singh further said that livelihood is the foundation of forest dwellers' attachment towards forest. There is a need to boost their attachment with forest for conservation of forest.
Chairman of NGT Justice Swatantra Kumar emphasized on the need to become pertinacious for efforts towards environment conservation. He mentioned that trees should be felled only for sustainable development and 10 trees in place of one cut should be planted. Kumar said that a reverent bahaviour is must with the nature. There will be very dangerous consequences if nature is disrespected.
Natural disasters occurred in the past are clear examples. More than what is fulfilled by the nature should not be taken. He urged that necessary efforts are needed in every nook and corner of the country considering entire world as a family. Kumar mentioned that efforts being made for environment conservation by the Government of India and NGT are being praised at all levels in the world. Their decisions and conclusions are being utilized in the development of the entire world. He hoped that conclusions of the conference will prove fruitful for the State, country and the world.
the outset Justice Dilip Singh of the NGT, Regional Judicial Bench - Central Zone, threw light on various issues of environment consciousness. He informed that environmental enthusiasm and awareness has grown up among the youths due to the efforts of the NGT. He praised the initiative of Madhya Pradesh for strengthening the Pollution Control Board.