(From left) Actor manju Warrier, singer Yesudas and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan greet women farmers during the launch of Haritha Keralam project near Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram. Courtesy: Facebook/ CMO KeralaWhile India hosts the 2018 World Environment Day on Tuesday, Kerala has added a feather to its cap by receiving appreciation and assurance from the United Nations to support it's Haritha Keralam (Green Kerala) Project.
Haritha Keralam is a mission by the government of Kerala that encompasses elements of waste management, organic farming, and water resource management. It aims at addressing the issues of waste piling, impending drought and health hazards due to the consumption of pesticide-treated vegetables. Various successful programmes have been undertaken as part of the mission, including the large-scale project of turning the Cochin International Airport into world's first fully solar-powered airport with a dedicated 13 mega watt solar plant on its premise.
A United Nations delegation recently informed Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the organisation would work closely with the state government to set up another solar power system at the Nedumbassery airport, as well as fund government-run non-functioning activities and water conservation projects.
United Nations regional director and representative for Asia and Pacific, Eric Sol Home, special assistant program officer McKinook Okkumara and UNEP Indian Atomic director Atul Bagi were among the officials who met with the chief minister in Thrissur.
The UN representatives want the technical mechanisms of the Nedumbassery model solar array system to be taken up globally. The UN team praised the environmental initiatives in Kerala. Decisions on funding, consultancy and environment-friendly activities will be taken in the coming days under the 'green governance mission'. UN will provide technical support for organic farming, waste management and plastic recycling.
Union minister for environment forest and climate change Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that “India is excited to host the World Environment Day this year. Indian philosophy and lifestyle have long been rooted in the concept of co-existence with nature. We are committed to making Planet Earth a cleaner and greener place.” The theme for this environment day is 'Beat Plastic Pollution.'
Read more: World Environment Day
