Our Development Is Speedy as Well as Sustainable: PM Modi
Prime Minister highlights India’s climate action and green growth at international conference
- PM Modi inaugurated the international climate conference in New Delhi.
- He highlighted India’s rapid expansion of renewable energy.
- PM said India achieved its COP-21 commitments ahead of schedule.
- He stressed sustainable mobility, water conservation and green agriculture.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th Sept: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and highlighted India’s efforts to combine economic development with environmental sustainability.
Addressing the conference, Modi said India’s longstanding cultural connection with nature continues to influence its approach to modern environmental challenges. He said India is developing solutions to climate challenges while encouraging collective global action.
The Prime Minister also highlighted differences in per-capita carbon emissions, noting that India’s per-capita emissions remain below the global average. He cited initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance and International Big Cat Alliance as examples of India’s international environmental efforts.
Modi highlighted the growth of India’s renewable energy sector over the past 12 years, particularly solar power. He said solar capacity had increased from around 2 GW to more than 160 GW.
He also referred to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which more than 50 lakh homes have been solarised, and the PM-KUSUM scheme, through which farmers have received solar pumps.
The Prime Minister said India was the only G20 country to achieve the commitments made at the 2015 Paris climate summit ahead of schedule.
Modi highlighted the expansion of electric mobility, hydrogen-powered transport and metro networks. He also pointed to railway electrification, Dedicated Freight Corridors and inland waterways as measures supporting cleaner and more efficient transportation.
He said the transformation of the mobility sector demonstrates that economic growth can be accompanied by environmental sustainability.
The Prime Minister highlighted the construction of more than 70,000 Amrit Sarovars and rainwater harvesting initiatives under the Catch the Rain campaign.
He also referred to millet cultivation, natural farming, climate-resilient crop varieties and agroforestry as measures aimed at conserving natural resources while supporting agriculture.
Modi further highlighted forest conservation, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, measures against single-use plastics and efforts to promote a circular economy.
The two-day conference, organised by the National Green Tribunal on September 19 and 20, brings together environmental experts, judges, government officials and judicial representatives from 17 countries to discuss climate challenges, environmental governance and institutional cooperation.
