Statement by India under Agenda Item: 3 Interactive Dialogue with SR on Environment in the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council ( 24 February – 20 March 2020), delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 02 March 2020)

Thank you Mr Vice-President,

India appreciates the Special Rapporteur for the detailed and comprehensive report on the subject.

2. In India, environment protection is part of our cultural values and traditions. The Constitution of India embodies the framework of protection and preservation of nature without which life cannot be enjoyed. We believe that the Right to environment is a right without which development of an individual and realisation of his or her full potential shall not be possible.

3. The National Green Tribunal established in 2010 is the specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues which also has the mandate of granting relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.

4. To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation, Government of India launched the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ on 2nd October, 2014.

Mr. Vice-President,

5. The Government of India is committed to increased use of clean energy sources and is already undertaking various large-scale sustainable power projects and promoting green energy heavily. In addition, renewable energy has the potential to create many employment opportunities at all levels, especially in rural areas.

6. India remains committed to ensuring a healthy environment for all.

Thank You.