Sentiment behind Environment Day must extend throughout: Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) The real sentiment behind World Environment Day must pervade every moment of our day as "worship and protection of nature is in our DNA", Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

"The real sentiment behind World Environment Day should not be restricted to a single day, but must pervade every moment of the day," he said at a an event organised on the eve of World Environment Day here.

Urging people to use public transport and bicycles, he also emphasised on reducing the use of air-conditioners.

"There is a huge need to use water judiciously and in an appropriate amount," he said.

He further added a message for his ministry officials, saying, "the ministry should not work only as a regulator, but more like a facilitator".

"The Department of Science and Technology and Environment Ministry must work together in the field of waste management -- be it solid waste, plastic waste, or E-waste and in creating waste to wealth and waste to energy," said Harsh Vardhan.

"Similarly, Ministry of Human Resource Development can rope in students and harness their strength in spreading messages of positive health and messages for environment protection in the society," he added.

The minister appealed to NGOs, professionals, teachers and students to make environmental protection, nature and biodiversity conservation a strong social movement.

"Our ancestors gave us clean rivers, clean air, rich forests, teachings and wisdom on nature and environment. The worship of nature and its protection is in our DNA," he said.