Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

PM bats for saving environment, inaugurates rooftop solar plant in Jharkhand

Says India will contribute towards containing global warming

Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi
Press Trust of India Khunti (Jharkhand)
Last Updated : Oct 03 2015 | 12:31 AM IST
Declaring Mahatma Gandhi to be his “inspiration”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a strong pitch for environment protection and energy conservation, linking them to the Bapu's commitment to providing justice to the poor.

Inaugurating a rooftop solar plant here, for Khunti court and district collectorate, the first in any court in India, he said, “Gandhiji was a big supporter of environment protection. That is why I decided to come here. In a way, I have snatched this opportunity (to inaugurate). I decided to come here because 2nd October is my inspiration. Mahatma Gandhi is my inspiration,” Modi said.

Ahead of a crucial climate change summit in Paris later this year, Modi also said India is not to be blamed for the “sin” of environment degradation, but will still contribute towards containing it. “I want to tell the world on behalf of 1.25 billion Indians that we have no role in this sin which has precipitated the environment crisis. Our heritage, culture and ancestors never permitted the exploitation of nature and natural resources. But irrespective of who committed this sin and made this mistake, India will make its contribution for the welfare of the humanity,” he said.

More From This Section

Referring to the 180 Kw rooftop solar photovoltaic system which he inaugurated, Modi said if Gujarat or Rajasthan think of solar energy, people will say it is understandable as they have no coal, but when Jharkhand, rich in coal, does so, it is noticed and the world gets a message from it.

Recalling that judges of district courts had once told him that lack of power in court premises hampers the hearing of cases and was a reason behind the pendency and delay in delivery of justice, Modi said he was shocked to realise that districts courts are deprived of basic amenities like power even after 60 years of independence.

“The judges of Jharkhand found a solution to it and this court will now run with solar energy. Today, it has become the first district court in the country to run with solar energy. This is the best tribute to Gandhiji. Bapu fought his entire life to get justice for the poor. On his birth anniversary, a court is being connected with solar energy. This is a very good initiative,” he said.

The PM said like solar energy, the country needs to focus on energy conservation.

Also Read

First Published: Oct 03 2015 | 12:18 AM IST

Next Story