New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday called for stronger climate resilience through people-centric and community-based approaches, while emphasising the role of traditional knowledge in addressing environmental challenges.
Murmu was speaking at the valedictory session of the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) two-day international conference on ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’ in New Delhi. She commended the NGT’s role in strengthening environmental governance.
Union minister Manohar Lal highlighted India’s efforts to balance development with environmental sustainability. He said non-fossil sources account for nearly 55% of installed power generation capacity and that India achieved its 50% non-fossil capacity target five years ahead of schedule.
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna stressed the need to balance development and conservation while protecting the interests of present and future generations. She highlighted the importance of effective institutions, enforcement, transparency, accountability and access to justice.
NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said environmental governance must move beyond identifying challenges towards building effective laws, institutions and partnerships. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasised the need to integrate law, science, governance and economics in addressing environmental challenges.
The conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 19, brought together jurists, policymakers, scientists and environmental experts from 17 countries, along with representatives of UNEP and the Asian Development Bank.
The discussions focused on climate challenges, transboundary cooperation, forest protection, biodiversity and sustainable development.
Manohar Lal also released the NGT souvenir ‘Harit Nyayam’ during the valedictory session.
