Gajendra Shekhawat: 'Developing countries are looking towards India for leadership'

Calling climate change the biggest threat to the world, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday said that one of the key difficulties in preventing it is that the developed countries want to fight it at the cost of development of the developing countries. 

'Environmental problems began when developed countries were busy in increasing exports'

"Today's environmental problems started when developed countries were busy in increasing exports without caring about the negative impact on nature. The economic system that has developed in the last few decades with the goal of increasing exports has caused the most damage to the environment. Today, scientists who have played an important role in increasing exports in developed countries are most concerned about the condition of nature. Today, developing countries are looking towards India for leadership," he was quoted as saying. 

The minister also said India has shown the world that it is a sustainable country. "Six years ago, the world did not think that India would fulfil its global responsibility. Today, water and energy-saving campaigns that are being talked about are the main part of our Infrastructure Development agenda," he said. 

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Eight crores free LPG connections provided

The minister spoke about 'Ujjawala scheme' and said eight crores free LPG connections have been provided to citizens. "Today over 95% of the Indian population is taking advantage of LPG cylinders. It has improved both the lifestyle and health of women. It has also helped improve the environment," he said. 

Earlier, the Central Government launched the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' that aims to bring tap water to households across the country by 2024. According to sources, Rs 3,50,000 crore will be spent on the project. Both Central and state governments will work in partnership to further this goal. Approximately 14.60 crores of rural households of the country will be provided with FHTCs. The Jal Shakti Minister had earlier emphasised that the first six months of the project are very crucial. 

(With ANI inputs)

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