Key Contributions as Union Minister of Environment and Forest
Instrumental in preparation of a comprehensive National Environment Action Plan having time bound programs for abatement of pollution in the country.
- Introduced 100% centrally funded Schemes for reducing pollution in 22 major cities of India.
- Introduced unleaded petrol in National Capital Territory to control pollution levels.
- Instrumental in setting up of Indian Centre for the Promotion of Cleaner Technologies (ICPC) in association with the World Bank, industries, academic institutions, and other agencies.
- Formed Environment Surveillance Squads in the Central Pollution Control Board to enforce pollution control systems on polluting industries.
Environment Clearances:
- Streamlined procedures for environmental clearances and introduced transparency by bringing all works regarding environment and forest clearances on the Internet.
- Instrumental in strengthening the monitoring system for achieving better compliance of stipulated conditions in environmental clearances.
- Issued notification to make Environmental Impact Assessment compulsory for 29 developmental activities.
- Instrumental in a project involving Asian Development Bank for strengthening Environment Impact Assessment and Environment Legislation.
Legislative Initiatives:
- Instrumental in preparation of a draft Biological Diversity Act for conservation, sustainable utilization, and equitable sharing of biological resources.
- Finalized the Hazardous Waste Management Rules, Solid Waste Management Rules, and Biomedical Waste Management Rules.
- Prepared draft "Recycled Plastics Usage Rules" which envisaged prohibiting/restricting the use of plastics.
- Examined the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules.
Conservation of Natural Resources:
- Prepared a detailed action plan for achieving 33% forest cover in the country.
- Set up the National Committee for identification of Eco-sensitive zones.
- Launched the Bamboo Development Plan for the country, signed multiple treaties with INBAR and Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Centre.
- Revised Project "Modern Forest Fire Control Methods" to effectively prevent forest fire incidents in the country.
- Launched the National Natural Resources Management System (NNRMS) scheme with the objective of utilizing remote sensing technology to monitor natural resources and facilitate sustainable development.
- Made Joint Forest Management (JFM) system an integral part of all forestry projects. Created Joint Forest Management Cell to monitor implementation.
- Prepared proposal for centrally sponsored ‘Integrated Forest Protection Scheme’.
- Prepared National Perspective plan to rehabilitate the forest and non-forest wastelands.
- Created an Environment Fund to plough back the fines collected for violation of environmental laws.
- Successfully ran a nationwide awareness campaign for forest and environment conservation.
- Created protection squads in all Project Tiger areas affected by insurgency.
- Banned export of antlers of deer and 29 species of medicinal plants.
- Financial assistance provided to 28 National Parks and 107 sanctuaries in 23 states.
- Launched Project Turtle, a new initiative for the conservation of the Olive Ridley Turtle.
- Prepared proposal for Biodiversity Diversity Act after a detailed and transparent consultative process.
- Proposed setting up of a Biodiversity Information Network.
- Several initiatives taken to improve implementation of Ganga Action Plan and National River Conservation Plan.
Prevention and Control of Pollution:
- Played a key role in the preparation of a comprehensive National Environment Action Plan.
- Introduced 100% centrally funded schemes for reducing pollution in 22 major cities of India.
Environment Clearances:
- Streamlined procedures for environmental clearances and introduced transparency by making all works related to environment and forest clearances available on the Internet.
- Issued notifications to make Environmental Impact Assessment compulsory for 29 developmental activities.
Legislative Initiatives:
- Played a crucial role in the preparation of a draft Biological Diversity Act for conservation.
- Finalized the Hazardous Waste Management Rules, Solid Waste Management Rules, and Biomedical Waste Management Rules.
Conservation of Natural Resources:
- Prepared a detailed action plan for achieving a 33% forest cover in the country.
- Established the National Committee for the identification of Eco-sensitive zones.
