Bengaluru: Mother Earth has given us everything and if we want to give something back to the earth, we should develop responsibility for judicious use of natural resources, said Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre.
Addressing the Re-Commerce Expo 2023 programme held in Bengaluru, he said that today the desire of man is increasing and the natural environment is being destroyed for luxurious life. He said, “If our elders had drained the forest and paddy field, we would not be here today.”
Today issues like climate change, temperature rise are plaguing the world, the need to increase green zone coverage is greater than ever. Emphasis should be placed on reuse and recycling, he said.
In 1987, the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations defined sustainability, he noted. He suggested said that we should also achieve development, along with that we should preserve nature, environment, forest and water bodies.
This modern age technology is growing phenomenally, he said.
He said that we should take the help of technology and save all living things and flora. He added that after assuming office as the Minister of Forest Ecology and Environment, he has decided to plant and nurture 5 crore saplings to increase the green coverage of the state.
During the Vanamahotsav held across the state from July 1 to 7, more than one quarter crore saplings have been planted. In addition to this, they are convinced that “effective waste management”, “recycling of goods and materials” and “circular economy” are the need of the day and declared 5 single use plastic free cities, he said.
The purpose of this expo is more related to recycling and refurbishing of electronics. We used to repair any appliance at home if it broke. Today they throw it away and bring a new one, said Eshwar Khandre and added that there should be a change in this trend, he added.
There is nothing useless in this nature, he noted. He said that if we learn to use all the materials adequately, nature and environmental resources can be saved. We must live in harmony with the earth. Live in harmony with nature, he said.
He appealed to leave a better land for the next generation.