The conference is being convened to create further synergy amongst the Central and State governments to formulate better policies on issues relating environment.
PM Modi will inaugurate the National Conference of Environment Ministers in Ekta Nagar in Gujarat today via video conferencing, and will also address the gathering on occasion.
Taking a step ahead in the spirit of cooperative federalism, the conference is being convened to create further synergy amongst the Central and State governments to formulate better policies on issues relating environment, according to PM Modi at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The issues will include eliminating plastic pollution with a multi-pronged approach and State Action Plans to effectively combat climate change by focusing on LiFE – Lifestyle For Environment.
It will also cover forestation with a special focus on the restoration of degraded land and wildlife conservation. The two-day conference will take place on September 23-24.
PM Modi Statement:
PM Modi stated that the conference will have six thematic sessions with topics focused on LiFE, combating climate change, PARIVESH (Single window system for integrated green clearance), forestry management, prevention and control of pollution as well as wildlife management, and plastics and waste management.
India has set a global example in fighting against plastic pollution by banning select single-use plastic items from July this year. Single-use plastics are typical items that are discarded after being used once and don’t go through the recycling process.
India has an 11kg of per capita plastic consumption compared to the global average of 28kg per capita, according to a report on plastic waste management by the Indian Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
India has banned the import, manufacturing, stocking, distribution, sale, and usage of identified single-use plastic items all across India, which have less utility and high littering potential from July 1, 2022.
The list of banned items includes earbuds and balloons with plastic sticks; flags, cups, glasses, forks, spoons, knives, straws, trays, invitation cards, and cigarette packs made of plastic; wrapping or packing films of plastic around sweet boxes; plastic or PVC banners with less than 100 microns, and stirrer.
Also read: India to ban SUP “Single-Use-Plastic” from July 1: Crucial step for the environment
