New Delhi, February 7: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with other premier institutions, will conduct a scientific as well as seismic study of the hilly region of Uttarakhand, Union Minister for Environment, forest and climate change, Bhupendra Yadav said here on Monday.
“The NDRF is studying the reasons and causes for the sinking of Joshimath and surrounding areas. When once that scientific study is completed and report is placed, the government will take appropriate steps to prevent the disaster,” Yadav said, in his pre-event press conference.
Yadav is scheduled to take part in the first of the four meetings of the Environment and climate sustainability working group (ECSWG) slated to be held in Bengaluru between February 9 to 11.
adav denied of having flouted any rules while granting sanction and clearing projects. “Let’s wait for the NDRF study report. Let’s not jump into conclusions without knowing the facts and ground reality,” the Union Minister added.
On the controversial project in Great Nicobar Island where it is alleged that 16,000 hectares of forest has been destroyed, Yadav said, “The project has been cleared only after the Environmental Impact Assessment was made. We respect the forest wealth and we believe in coming up with projects that are environmentally-friendly and ecologically-sensitive,” Bhupendra Yadav explained.
Meanwhile, the first ECSWG meeting in Bangalore will focus on four subjects. These are, promotion of blue economy and coastal sustainability, restoration of degraded lands and ecosystems, enhancement of bio-diversity and strengthening of circular economy.
“Our theme of the meetings are in continuity with previous year’s presidency’s environmental issues. Apart from those mentioned above, we will also discuss marine pollution,” Leela Nandan, Secretary in the Union Ministry of Environment, added.
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