Campaigns like TOI's RePlanet should be turned into 'Jan Andolan', says Uttar Pradesh deputy CM Brajesh Pathak

LUCKNOW: Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak on Tuesday called upon the people to turn campaigns like TOI's 'RePlanet' to protect the environment into a 'Jan Andolan' (mass movement) like India's struggle for freedom.
Addressing "RePlanet" - a TOI initiative in association with Coca-Cola to make the planet greener - as chief guest, Pathak said that the state government had made policies to protect environment and taken steps to make UP greener, but the initiatives will be successful when they are turned into a people's movement through large-scale public participation.
Thanking TOI for taking several initiatives to raise public awareness on environmental issues, the deputy CM said that the efforts made by TOI will surely play a crucial role in making the environment conservation a mass movement and mission for the young generation.
"The state government is committed to help TOI in all the efforts it is making for protecting and conserving the environment," he added.
Citing the examples of freedom fighters Rani Laxmi Bai and Chandra Shekhar Azad, the deputy chief minister, said "Youngster will have to come forward and do what our forefathers did to save India and launch a movement to protect the environment. We keep discussing the environment, but the time has come for action."
Pointing out how excessive use of air conditioners and concrete structures are responsible for rise in temperatures globally, Pathak said that much of the damage caused to the environment today is man-made.
“We need to have a course correction so that we can pass on a clean and green planet to the coming generations," he said. The deputy CM also mentioned how reviving old habits and traditions at an individual level could make big changes.
"The Tulsi plant which checks pollution and used to be in the courtyard of the house earlier has now been shifted to the terrace of the apartments. Our mothers used to sew carry bags using old clothes, but today we use polybags. We need to follow traditional practices again," he said while citing the importance of recycling. Pathak also said that beverage companies should come up with ideas to recycle and repurpose non-biodegradable waste.
"About 50-60 lakh plastic bottles for water and beverages are used in UP daily. Instead of discarding bottles, if these can be refilled, it will make a huge difference. For instance, companies can have schemes like giving one bottle free if consumers bring 10 empty bottles," he said.
Praising the contribution made by Indians in the development of IT and Medical Sectors across the world, the deputy CM said “Our culture originated and developed on the banks of Ganga and Yamuna rivers, hence we living in sync with the environment is inherent in our character.”
After the address of chief guest deputy CM Brajesh Pathak at Replanet summit, a panel discussion took place at the event. Secretary, environment, forest and climate change, UP, Ashish Tiwari, Lucknow Municipal Commissioner Inderjit Singh, CEO and managing director Triliance energy Zergam Rizvi and founder Shikha Shah were panellists at the event.
It was moderated by social commentator Nisahant Saxena. During the discussion LMC commissioner, Inderjit Singh shared his plans to make Lucknow garbage free in two years, while secretary, environment, Ashish Tiwari about circular economy to address environmental issues.
The entrepreneur Shikha Shah highlighted the necessity of certification of ecofriendly products generated from waste and CEO Triliance suggested making fuel from plastic waste and the requirement to start it.