Speaking at a national-level conference on ‘Green Metro Systems’ here on Friday, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the Government has adopted the “Metro model” in drafting its new solid waste management rules in order to reduce pollution at construction sites. The conference was jointly organised by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and industry body CII at Metro Bhavan.
“We have adopted the ‘Metro model’ on solid waste management. E-waste, hazardous, plastic waste rules have been put on the Environment Ministry’s website for public consultation. All suggestions are welcome till July 21,” the Minister said, adding that the Narendra Modi-led Government was leading by example when it came to the environmental front and has attracted the attention of leaders across the globe.
Javadekar added that the Government was looking at producing at around 1,75,000 megawatts of power from renewable energy sources. Referring to the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, where he was a delegate, he said, “German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande spoke about Prime Minister Modi for about five minutes during their speeches. We are leading by example.”
Commending Delhi Metro’s work culture and DMRC’s concern for environmental issues during construction work, Javadekar said, “DMRC has given the country a new work culture and the environmental initiatives are a reflection of the same. I have travelled around the world and I can say that Delhi Metro is among the cleanest of all.”
Talking on various steps taken by DMRC to ensure that construction doesn’t harm the environment, DMRC MD Mangu Singh said that DMRC has gone beyond the required stipulation for planting saplings for every tree felled.
“Felling of trees is imperative for construction activities. Music is born out of force. This is the rule of nature. But that doesn’t mean trees can’t be translocated. Metro has shown the way here also by successfully translocating trees,” he said. Delhi Environment Minister Asim Ahmed Khan, who was also present on the occasion, acknowledged Javadekar’s help in getting NCR States like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on board in tackling air pollution.