Understanding value of env need of the hour: Union min

NONGPOH, Nov 5: At a time when the national capital grapples with severe pollution crisis, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during his visit to Ri-Bhoi on Friday, has maintained that it is the need of the hour for people to understand the importance and value of the environment.
Shekhawat on Friday visited Ri-Bhoi and chaired the review meeting on Aspirational District Programme, which was attended by Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Arpit Upadhyay, Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, and officials from various line departments.
During the review meeting, the union minister was apprised of the progress of developmental works on various fronts, including education, health and nutrition, horticulture, veterinary, rural development, infrastructure, etc., carried out under the Aspirational District Programme.
The union minister then attended a programme at the District Library Auditorium Hall as the chief guest during which he handed over cheques to 49 groups from different villages under Payment Ecosystem Services (PES).
Speaking on the occasion, the union minister expressed his happiness for getting an opportunity to interact with the locals, and said that the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has initiated numerous schemes to bring about change in the lives of people of India, particularly the ones living in rural areas.
Lauding the villagers for their response towards the PES scheme for preservation of forest cover and its surroundings, the union minister said that it is the need of the hour that people understand the importance and value of the environment.
He also sought cooperation of the residents of the district in conserving the natural environment by safeguarding rivers, streams and other water bodies.