Environment issues need global attention: Delhi HC Chief Justice

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

India has the potential to generate 1,075-MW power from Municipal Solid Waste by 2031, says Lingappa Naryana Swamy, Chief Justice, High Court of Himachal Pradesh.

Swamy was here to attend Global Law Conference at Chandigarh University here today. The university honoured environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal with the ‘Friend of Earth Award.

“With five technical sessions on air pollution, clean water, climate change, forest and bio-diversity and municipal solid waste, the conference is concluding with some great findings and outcomes,” said Justice Dhirubhai Naranbhai Patel, Chief Justice, Delhi High Court.

Justice Ananda Mohan, Supreme Court of Nepal; Justice Arun Monga, Punjab and Haryana High Court; Justice Jayant Nath, Delhi High Court; Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, Delhi High Court; Justice Ajay Tewari, Punjab and Haryana High Court; Dr Prashant Gargava, Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board; Satya Pal Jain, Former MP; Ashish Jain, Director, Indian Pollution Control Board; Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, were present on the occasion.

“Issues pertaining to environment are not territorial, they are cross-border, trans-continental and global issues which requires joint efforts by all countries,” said Patel.

He said by year 2100, the average temperature of the Earth would rise by six to seven degree Celsius. He said the rise in temperature added to financial burden on the world economy as healthcare would need more expenditure.

Meanwhile, Justice Swamy said: “Monetising power produced by waste is a method to generate wealth from waste and India has a huge potential to generate wealth from its municipal solid waste.”

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, Delhi High Court, said: “Indian traditions and religious rituals have always worshipped nature but it is time to use bio-degradable materials when we want to immerse idols in rivers and seas.