29 MAR 2025: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ on March 29, 2025 in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that all days related to the environment give the message that we should keep their objectives and programs in mind every day and make them a part of our daily life as far as possible. Environmental protection and promotion will be possible only through continuous activism based on awareness and everyone’s participation.
The President said that our children and the younger generation have to face and contribute to environmental transition on a much wider scale. She highlighted that elders in every family worry about which school or college their children will study in, and what career they will choose. This worry is justified. But, we all also have to think about what kind of air our children will breathe, what kind of water they will get to drink, whether they will be able to hear the sweet sounds of birds or not, whether they will be able to experience the beauty of lush green forests or not. She said that these topics have economic, social, and scientific aspects, but the most important thing is that the challenges related to all these topics also have a moral aspect. It is our moral responsibility to provide a legacy of a clean environment to the coming generations. For this, we will have to adopt an environmentally conscious and sensitive lifestyle so that the environment is not only protected but also enhanced and the environment can become more vibrant. Balancing a clean environment and modern development is both an opportunity and a challenge.
President Murmu also reflected on India’s traditional ethos of coexistence with nature, emphasizing that development must be based on nourishment and protection rather than exploitation and destruction. She expressed satisfaction over India’s early achievements in meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions under international climate agreements, showcasing the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future.
The President said that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has played an important role in the environmental governance of our country. It has played a decisive role in the field of environmental justice or climate justice. The historic decisions given by NGT have a wide impact on our lives, our health, and the future of our earth. She urged the institutions associated with the environment management eco-system and citizens to continuously strive for environmental protection and promotion.
The President said that our country and the entire world community have to follow a path that is environment friendly. Only then will humanity make real progress. She stated that India has presented many exemplary examples to the world community through its green initiatives. She expressed confidence that with the participation of all stakeholders, India will play the role of green leadership at the global level. She said that we all have to make India a developed nation by the year 2047 where the air, water, greenery, and prosperity attract the entire world community.
The National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’, being organised by NGT, aims to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on pressing environmental challenges, share best practices, and chart a collaborative roadmap for sustainable development.