Maintain balance between development and environment: Gadkari

Srinagar: Stressing upon the need of introducing green and clean technologies, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday emphasised upon maintaining balance between development, ecology and environment.

"There is a need to maintain balance between development and environment and ecology," Gadkari said while inaugurating the 206th Council meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) at the Sher-I-Kashmir International Convention Centre here.

The Union minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping appreciated the role played by IRC in development of roads and highways in the country and stressed upon the need to implement research findings at ground level.

He also stressed upon the importance of introducing green and clean technologies in order to minimise adverse effects on ecology and environment as a result of development.

"A positive and development-oriented approach is necessary to achieve the goal of fast-paced development in the country," Gadkari said, adding progress is not possible unless the values of a positive work culture are imbibed by one and all.

He called upon all stakeholders to promote innovation and local expertise to meet challenges and also put up a strong case for appreciation of efforts of those who perform well.

Such instances will prove as an inspiration for others and will motivate them to put in their best, the Minister said.

The state government's Public Works Department Commissioner Rohit Kansal hoped that participants of the meeting will prove as brand ambassadors for the Jammu And Kashmir and holding such events will help bring tourists back after last year's devastating floods.

He thanked the IRC for providing opportunity to Jammu and Kashmir to play host, and expressed confidence that Kashmiri hospitality will win the hearts and minds of the participants.

Earlier in the session, IRC President Dr Mahesh Kumar threw light on the mandate of the institution and gave a presentation on how the organisation has evolved since its inception.

IRC is a premier institution associated with research, development and documentation of latest trends in the field of road transport and highways. It has over 16,700 registered members from all over the country.

Around 100 delegates from across the country are taking part in the two-day event here.