The PM also delved into the lack of co-operation on nuclear fuel supply and 'double standards' across the globe. "We are pushing solar energy, bio-mass energy and other new technologies. But please note that those who want use to lead in climate change are not supplying nuclear fuel for our nuclear energy plans. These are the two standards while looking at climate change," PM Modi said.
Sending out an emphatic message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that India should not follow paremeters set by others to tackle climate change and rather lead and set its own agenda.
The prime minister was speaking during the launch of the National Air Quality Index (AQI) that will inform citizens on pollution levels of ten cities using simple colour codes (green, orange and red).
The PM also inaugurated the ministry of environment, forests and climate change's (MoEF&CC) crucial conference of state environment and forest ministers' that will see deliberations on proposed amendments to five major environmental laws.
"India is perceived as a barrier in the fight against climate change and we need to clear this impression. We have been hesitant in presenting our view point and this needs to change," said PM Modi. The PM added, "We always been respectful towards the environment and as a result we have the lowest per capita carbon emissions.
The world is talking about cutting emissions, but nobody is willing to change lifestyles in consumerist societies." Despite the lowest per-capita carbon emissions, currently, India is the third-largest carbon emitter in the world behind China and United States of America.
The PM also delved into the lack of co-operation on nuclear fuel supply and 'double standards' across the globe. "We are pushing solar energy, bio-mass energy and other new technologies. But please note that those who want use to lead in climate change are not supplying nuclear fuel for our nuclear energy plans. These are the two standards while looking at climate change," PM Modi said.
Ironically though, the MoEF&CC conference PM inaugurated will see the final round of deliberations on key amendments proposed for laws that protect environment. For "ease of doing business", the government is all set to relax clearance norms by creating a single-window clearance system, reduce or altogether stop state-level clearances, change the definition of forest lands and relax coastal regulation zone norms.
The PM though stressed that the government's actions are not anti-environment and sought to clarify on issues of the land bill. "People are being mislead into believing that tribal land and forest land will come under the ambit of the land bill. I want to to inform you that this is a lie." Under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Bill, 2015, five categories of projects - defence, rural infrastructure, affordable housing, industrial corridors and infrastructure - are exempted from obtaining consent of owners and they also do not require a social impact assessment report.
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