PM proposes national authority for environment protection

Prime minister Manmohan Singh today proposed the setting up of a National Environment Protection Authority, supported by regional environment protection authorities at the states level, to ensure the implementation of measures aimed at protecting the environment.

He called upon state governments to create state level action plans to protect environment, consistent with the strategies in the national plans. He also sought wider and broader consultation with the states on the issue of stemming environmental degradation.

"We should consider setting up of a National Environment Protection Authority supported by regional Environment Protection Authorities."

Addressing a meeting of state chief ministers on environment and forests, the prime minister urged the state governments to ensure the success of the eight national missions and other initiatives that are the key components of the country's national action plan on climate change.

"There is a pressing need to modernise the existing forest and wildlife management system in our country," Manmohan said, adding, that the country also needed to urgently modernise its forest departments with improved resources, communication and improved training of personnel.

The prime minister also asked the state governments to fill up the large number of positions of frontline personnel lying vacant in the forests and wildlife sector, on a priority basis.