“India’s Initiatives Are Powered By People’s Participation”: PM At G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Meet

PM Modi commenced his address to the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability ministerial meeting with welcoming the attendees  to Chennai and encouraging them to explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Mamallapuram. It was followed by a poem by Saint Thiruvallavur, deliberated to implore the audience to protect and care for mother earth, outlining the heart of the ensuing address. 

 PM Modi then went on to mention India's initiatives and achievements in the renewable energy sector and biodiversity, as he addressed the  G20 ministerial meeting on Friday. The proud PM also acknowledged India's rank among the top five countries in the world with regards to its installed renewable energy capacity. PM Modi also drew on India's goal to attain the target of net zero by 2070.  "We continue to collaborate with our partners through our alliance including the international solar alliance, CDRI and the leadership group for industry transition," the Prime Minister cited in support of his statement. "Through the 'Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap and Platform', you are recognising restoration in priority landscapes impacted by forest fires and mining," he added. 

Referring to India's persistent effort to be at the forefront of biodiversity conservation, protection and enrichment , the PM elaborated on the International Big Cat Alliance- an initiative launched by India to conserve the seven big cats. As per the statement issued by Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the IBCA intends to focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world -- Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar and Cheetah.

"India has recently launched the international Big Cat Alliance for the conservation of 7 big cats on our planet.  It is based on our learnings from Project Tiger, a pioneering conservation initiative. As a result of Project Tiger, 70% of the world's tigers are found in India. We are also working on Project Lion and Project Dolphin," he said. 

 PM Modi had called for an Alliance of Global Leaders to take an unequivocal stand against the practice of poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia, in July 2019. The PM has since set in motion the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) in Karnataka in April, as a step against poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking. 

The PM also hints at Mission Amrit Sarovar- a unique water conservation initiative. "More than 63,000 waterbodies have been developed in just about one year." he added. PM ascribed the success of this mission to community participation, aided by technology. He further credited the 'Catch the Rain' campaign for constructing more than 280,000 water harvesting structures. Nearly 250,000 re-used and re-charged structures have also been constructed under the ambit of this campaign. 

The rather elated PM also extolled community participation in aiding the success of the 'Nmami Gange Programme'- a flagship programme to clean the river Ganga. He stressed on reappearance of Gangetic Dolphins in many stretches of the river as a major achievement of the mission. 

"Our efforts in wetland conservation has also borne fruits.With 75 wetlands dedicated as Ramsar Sites. India has the largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia." stated PM Modi. PM Modi highlights them as a crucial economic resource for small island states, and home to extensive biodiversity as he emphasises on the responsible use and management of ocean resources.