Harsh Vardhan blames lifestyle for present state of environment

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday held the modern lifestyle is responsible for the present condition of forests, air, water and land.

Vardhan, who is on a tree-plantation drive here, had earlier stressed on the "basic principles of life" passed on to us by our ancestors as the key to save environment and sustainable life.

He had also said that avoiding the teachings of the ancestors who handed us a clean environment, was the reason behind climate change.

"The condition of our forests, rivers, air and land is a matter of serious concern for us. The reason for this is the modern lifestyle adopted by us," he said.

Leading the plantation drive at the District Park in Paschim Vihar here to mark the "Van Mahotsav" celebrations, the Minister said that plants were another form of God.

He added that climate change and global warming were burning issues today and attempts were being made at various levels to resolve these issues.

The Minister also reiterated India's efforts and initiatives like "International Solar Alliance" aimed at a sustainable and clean energy consumption.

"Environment protection is connected to our culture, but we have forgotten this cultural heritage," Vardhan said.

He also emphasised that had we continued with this heritage of protection of environment, the world would have been inspired by us.

Vardhan also paid tributes to Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

"Today is the birth anniversary of one of the great sons of India (Syama Prasad Mookerjee). His life was full of sacrifices...he devoted his life and gave a new direction to politics."

Vardhan also recalled the contribution of former Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave to environmental issues.

"Today is Daveji's birth anniversary...he used to say if one wants to remember him, then one should plant saplings," he said.