Dubbing the existing development model as not in sync with the nature, National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on Saturday exhorted the youth to take the lead in protecting environment and play a pro-active role in sensitising the countrymen about ill-effects of air and water pollution.
He appealed to the policy makers and planners to abandon the current development model which was causing “irreversible loss to nature and its environs”.
The NGT chairperson criticised the prevailing development model which, he said, was not in sync with natural environment and thus emphasised the need to have a balanced approach in terms of sustainable development.
He said “if we allow cutting of trees recklessly for the sake of development, then why these could not be transplanted to keep the ecological balance intact?”
Expressing deep concern over the shrinking forest cover, resulting in enhanced levels of water and air pollution, he asked the governments and authorities concerned to keep a strict vigil on deforestation, besides showing zero tolerance towards this “anti-nature” stance.
Referring to the problem of municipal solid waste, he underscored the need for developing an eco-friendly technology for its quick transportation and scientific disposal as it was a potent health hazard. - PTI
