Environmental protection requires public participation: Punjab Governor

CHANDIGARH: Governor of Punjab Banwarilal Purohit stated, on Saturday, that people’s engagement is essential for environmental protection, adding that there is an urgent need to integrate economic development and environmental resources. He was speaking at Chandigarh University in Mohali, at “International Conference on Environmental Diversity and Environmental Jurisprudence.”

Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu was the chief guest at the event. Protecting environmental resources from thoughtless consumption and devastation is intimately linked to human growth in the twenty-first century. Purohit stated that the need of the hour is People’s Participation. People need to have a direct stake in protecting the environment, only then will they work hand-in-hand with the government.

The governor advised enlisting the help of various social groups, such as Panchayat members and corporate organisations, to conserve the environment.

“We must remember that we have not inherited this planet from our ancestors, but have borrowed it from our offspring,” B R Gavai, Supreme Court Justice, commented on the occasion. Justice Surya Kant, another top court judge, added that now is the moment for us to take responsibility for forming an efficient and sustainable community.

Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Commissioner in India, stated that the major concern confronting humanity is dwindling biodiversity due to climate change and increased pollution.

According to Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Mohammad Rafiq, humans have always abused nature for a comfortable life and in order to ensure ecological balance, we need planned policies and participation of youth.

Regarding the conference, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University had remarked that climate change and environmental justice are global challenges, and this conference is a unique forum where experts from across world will be discussing the path to a better future.