President Murmu inaugurates National Conference on environment in Delhi
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Environment – 2025’ conference in New Delhi on March 29, 2025, urging a balance between development and ecological preservation, as experts and policymakers convened to tackle air, water, and forest challenges.
Inauguration highlights responsibility to future generations
President Droupadi Murmu launched the two-day National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, hosted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Joined by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, she stressed the moral duty to leave a clean environment for future generations. The event unites jurists, environmentalists, and students to address pressing ecological issues.
India’s environmental ethos and global stance
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav invoked the Indian ethos of ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,’ emphasizing holistic environmental protection. He defended India’s right to sustainable growth, noting the country met its Paris Agreement green energy goals nine years early. Yadav asserted that global climate anxiety won’t compromise India’s duty to provide food, water, and energy to its 1.4 billion citizens, crediting PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for balancing progress and sustainability.
Judicial and legal perspectives
Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath linked environmental health to human well-being and culture, advocating collective action. Attorney General R Venkataramani urged a shift from profit-driven behaviour to improving life quality for future generations. NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava hailed the conference’s inclusivity, uniting diverse stakeholders for sustainability.
Tackling air pollution
Chaired by Supreme Court Justice Joymalya Bagchi, the first session focused on air quality management. Experts like Dr. Randeep Guleria (Medanta) and Dr. Dilip Ganguly (IIT Delhi), alongside officials Tanmay Kumar (MoEF&CC) and NGT’s Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, explored air pollution’s causes and solutions. They emphasized that true progress lies in harmonizing economic growth with environmental care.
Water and river rejuvenation
Delhi High Court Justice Pratibha M Singh led discussions on water quality and river restoration, citing Switzerland’s Rhine River and Namibia’s successes as models. Joined by Dr. MK Goel (NIH Roorkee), Debashree Mukherjee (Ministry of Jal Shakti), Dr. Rajiv Kumar Mittal (NMCG), and NGT’s Justice B Amit Sthalekar, the panel tackled water pollution and over-extraction. Solutions included community efforts, transparency, and innovations like the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Day one sets stage for further talks
The conference’s first day ended with robust debates, priming attendees for day two’s sessions on forest conservation, biodiversity, and a reflective wrap-up. The event underscores India’s commitment to sustainable development amid global environmental challenges.
