Development not at cost of environment, says Arunachal Forest minister

ITANAGAR — Arunachal Pradesh Environment and Forest Minister Mama Natung Saturday said development should not be at the cost of the environment.

Addressing participants at a state-level awareness programme, Natung termed environmental protection as one of the biggest challenges.

Expressing concern that plastics are to be found everywhere, the minister said though a plastic-free initiative was launched by the Centre, the country was the largest generator of plastic waste.

No policy or law can be successfully implemented without the support of citizens and an awareness drive coupled with a change in the mindset of the people is necessary, he said.

“We cannot blame only those selling plastic items,” he said.

The state government, he said, has provided funds to the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) for setting up solid waste management plants at Chimpu and Karsingsa, near here.

The minister also spoke on the success of the Airgun Surrender Abhiyaan, which has resulted in an increase in wildlife population in the state in the last few years.

He also praised the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) for organising the awareness programme.

Earlier, APSCW chairperson Kenjum Pakam called for an environmentally sound management of plastics.

Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board environment engineer Rajeev Kimsing spoke on the adverse effect of plastic waste on humans and animals.