Aim to become “land degradation neutral” by 2030 – Shri Prakash Javadekar

Shri Prakash Javadekar Takes Charge as Environment Minister Launches New System for Online Submission of Applications for Environmental Clearance A new system for online submission of applications for environmental clearances has been launched here today by Shri Prakash Javadekar. While interacting with the media persons after taking charge as Minister of State (I/C) of Environment, Forest and Climate change, Shri Javadekar said that the new system will bring in the following benefits to the stakeholders: 1. Transparency in the application processes for environmental clearance 2. Online real-time monitoring and adherence to timelines for verification 3. Stage-wise approval and compliance mechanism 4. A more user-friendly application process Shri Javadekar further stated that under the new system, the applicant will have to register on the website, upon which he/she shall be provided with a password. This shall ensure security, while simultaneously maintaining transparency between the Ministry and the applicant. The Minister also said that there shall be a maximum time limit for the entire approval process, with stage-wise timelines. He also said that continuous efforts shall be made to bring down the timelines for each stage. Every state shall be taken along and that the aspirations and difficulties of state Governments will be duly considered; at the same time, active co-operation from them in nation building will be expected, the Minister added. Shri Javadekar said that this will be done without making any compromise whatsoever on the ongoing efforts to preserve the environment. He added that the application for forest clearances too shall be made online next month. No contradiction between Growth and Environmental Protection The Minister said that growth and environmental protection go hand in hand; both are possible and there is no contradiction between the two. He said both of these will be pursued together. He said that it is not a question of environment versus growth and that sustainable development has become the catchword. Shri Javadekar said that the addition of the words “Climate Change” in the name of the Ministry is significant. He said that India should present its case in international forums very forcefully. He added that preparations are already underway for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is expected to take place in December 2015, in Paris, France. The Minister announced also that a half-day leadership motivation conference shall be held next week for the senior Officials of the Ministry in order to instill a change in mindset. Earlier in the day, on assuming office, senior officials of the Ministry welcomed the Minister, after which the Minister reviewed the activities of the Ministry. RM/ RC/DM (Release ID :105270)  Aim to become “land degradation neutral” by 2030 – Shri Prakash Javadekar Minister felicitates Grass Root Innovators; Workshop inaugurated on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification

Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that India would become “land degradation neutral” by 2030 if all the critical stakeholders i.e. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water Resources and Department of Land Resources worked together on a common implementation strategy. To achieve the said goal, it was necessary for all stakeholders to work out a roadmap that addressed the concerns of all. The Minister stated this while addressing the delegates present at the inauguration of a workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) here today. Elaborating further, the Minister said that desertification, loss of biodiversity along with climate change were the greatest challenges for the sustainable development. The desertification of land could be stopped or reverted through the integrated land use planning on landscape basis. His experience on working 11 watershed projects in Maharashtra showed that land desertification could be stopped with the collective efforts. Coordination among the different stakeholders was the key to achieve the goal of land degradation neutral India. Reclaiming the waste land has direct effect on the poverty eradication and makes communities prosperous, the Minister added. Shri Javadekar also highlighted the innovative method adopted by the Ministry in publicizing the idea of land degradation neutral India. Earlier, the Ministry invited entries in the form of concept along with painting /designs/ captions on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) and has used the best among them to publicize the event. The Minister stated that the crowd sourcing model adopted by the Ministry would give a sense of participation in the people and the Ministry would continue to use this model in all its future endeavours. A key highlight of the inauguration ceremony was the felicitation of pioneers who addressed the land degradation issue with their innovative approach at the grass roots level. The Minister felicitated Mr. Jadav Payeng from Assam, Mr. Ranaram Bishnoi from Rajasthan and the Foundation for Ecological Security, an organization based in Gujarat for their outstanding contributions in restoring degraded land and ecosystems. The Minister also released a short documentary on SLEM project in India prepared by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) was celebrated every year on 17th June 2014. As a signatory to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which focuses upon Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD), India celebrates World Day to Combat Desertification every year since 1995 to promote public awareness of the issue, mobilize international cooperation for the implementation of the UNCCD. The theme of this year`s WDCD is ecosystem-based adaptation with the slogan ‘Land Belongs to the Future, Let’s Climate Proof It’. The 2014 WDCD highlights the benefits of mainstreaming sustainable land management policies and practices into our collective response to climate change. CP/GV (Release ID :105688)