Agriculture under threat due to climate change: Bawankule

Nagpur: Energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has stated that the environmental balance is getting disturbed due to the rise in global temperature.
“Global warming has become a major problem. Agriculture is under threat due to rapid change in climate. Droughts have become common and farmers are the biggest sufferers,” the minister said.
During the third international conference on Thermal Power: Chemistry and Sustainable Environment held on Wednesday, Bawankule said that environment conservation should become a public movement. “Pollution in cities is increasing significantly due to emissions from vehicles. Also, with an increase in the number of industries, rivers and lakes are becoming contaminated. The only way out for citizens is to help the government in combating pollution,” he added.
According to the minister, people should reduce the use of plastic, switch over to public transport and take other necessary steps.
“Environmentalists, scientists, students and even government officers should come out with innovative solutions,” he said.
The minister further said that solar energy was one of the ways to reduce pollution. “All industries, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions should switch over to solar. This will reduce the need for thermal power,” he added.
The minister directed Mahagenco to plant two trees in front of every residence to combat air pollution. “The company should start a nursery for this purpose,” he said.
The conference also saw participation of Debi Goenka, founder of NGO Conservation Action Trust (CAT) who urged Mahagenco to promote clean energy.