Env conservation not just limited to planting drives: Union Min

Union minister emphasizes holistic approach to environmental protection at World Environment Day event in Gurugram, focusing on curbing air pollution and waste management.

Union minister for housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said environmental protection cannot be limited to plantation drives and requires sustained efforts to curb air pollution, improve waste management and promote public participation.

The event was attended by the state environment Rao Narbir Singh, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, senior government officials, environmental experts and representatives of civic bodies. (HT)

The minister was addressing a World Environment Day celebration gathering organised in Gurugram, where he inaugurated a bioremediation pilot project at Dhankot and laid the foundation stone for a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) project in Sector 102 aimed at strengthening waste segregation and recycling infrastructure in the city.

The event was attended by the state environment Rao Narbir Singh, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, senior government officials, environmental experts and representatives of civic bodies.

Speaking at the function, Khattar said despite being a highly developed urban centre, Gurugram still faces significant challenges related to air quality and cleanliness.

“Environmental conservation is not limited to planting trees. We need to address every source of pollution. If Gurugram succeeds in controlling air pollution and strengthening cleanliness systems, it has the potential to become one of the finest cities in the world,” he said.

He also directed authorities to remove abandoned and scrap vehicles lying at public places, police stations and government premises. Construction dust, he added, remains another major factor affecting air quality and requires stricter monitoring.

Further, Khattar urged residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including waste segregation at source, reduced use of plastic, recycling of resources and greater adoption of clean energy solutions.

Earlier in the day, the Union minister inaugurated the bioremediation pilot project at Dhankot and participated in a plantation drive.

Addressing the gathering, environment minister Rao Narbir Singh said environmental protection must “become a people’s movement rather than remaining a government-driven initiative”.

“Every citizen must contribute towards protecting the environment. Gurugram’s development must be accompanied by environmental responsibility,” he said.

Highlighting the continued use of single-use plastic despite an existing ban, Rao said polythene waste remains a serious environmental challenge. He appealed to residents to support efforts towards creating a polythene-free Gurugram.

The minister also urged citizens to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and take a pledge to plant at least two trees.

“Every tree planted today is an investment in a cleaner and healthier future for the next generation,” Singh said.

The programme also marked the laying of foundation stone for a project to supply treated wastewater to 170 parks across Gurugram through a dedicated pipeline network.