(a) whether the Government propose to invite private sector for improving the environment in the country;
(b) if so, whether any guidelines have been issued in this regard; and
(c) the details of the matter discussed in South Asian Forum on Environmental Cooperation between the Government and private sector recently?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a) Cooperative action by all sections of the society is needed to successfully solve environmental problems. The private sector in India has the resources and skills to play a major role in such efforts. As a responsible segment of our society, their contribution in countering environmental challenges would be welcome.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) The workshop, which comprised of government officials as well as private industry associations of SAARC countries, recommended that institutions of Government, private sector, academic, scientific and research organisations and media should share relevant information. This would create an enabling environment for a productive partnership for realising the goals of environment friendly development. It also proposed regional cooperation to support such an initiative and called upon the multilateral and regional bodies to extend necessary support and assistance to countries.