`Development of country while protecting environment possible`

Mumbai: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday said the Centre will strive to implement the developmental projects in the country without damaging the environment.

Sharing the government's plan for balanced growth at an interactive session on 'Balancing Environment with Development' here, he said on one hand we will take forward the agenda of development and on the other, we have taken the pledge of protection of the environment.

Javadekar dispelled the notion that development and environment are two opposites and expressed his government's commitment to undertake development while protecting the environment, an official release said this evening.

He said his government had approved several projects which were pending for environmental approval.

"With a clear vision, use of technology and involvement of the people, we will bring about positive development in the country," Javadekar said.

By 2025, the government will implement the River Improvement project, wherein all the rivers will be cleaned and improved, he said.

This project will start with the Ganga River Improvement project, Javadekar said and expressed confidence that by 2025, energy efficiency would be increased by 20 to 25 per cent.