KOCHI: By re-routing cargo transport through inland waterways and sea, air pollution as well as transportation cost can be reduced to a great extent, said Excise Minister K Babu. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Green Kochi campaign initiated by The New Indian Express to mark the tenth anniversary of City Express. He added that steps are being taken to implement the coastal shipping project.Stressing the need for sustainable development, the minister said that hitherto, development had been made at the cost of environmental protection. “Though the intervention of environmentalists has helped create environmental awareness among people, the green cover of the city is still being torn away in the name of development. But development too is indispensable. Hence, care needs to be taken to incorporate scientific methods to ensure that development should go hand in hand with environmental protection,” said Babu. Stating that the government whole-heartedly supported environmental protection, the minister said there was no lack of policies on the part of the government. “Though a lot of tree-planting drives were taken up, the initiatives did not work out since the saplings were not protected,” the minister said. He also pointed out that environmental conservation is not only the sole responsibility of the government but also the duty of each citizen. “It should be made mandatory that a tree should be planted in each cent of land used for construction. This might seem to be a small step, but in the long run it will lead to big results,” he said. “ The increased use of vehicles is leading to excessive air pollution and fuel use. So, if people themselves try to reduce the use of vehicles by using more public transport, the issue can be addressed," he added.
Comments
0 comment