Environmentalist Bittu Sahgal was clearly disappointed with the Budget and said that he is surprised by the minister's decision. Conservationist Prafulla Bhamburkar also echoed similar sentiments. He said, "Last year, the FM had shown some concern by allocating Rs 200 crore from the National Clean Energy Fund ( NCEF) under the Green India Mission. But this year, there is no mention of forest and wildlife in his budget speech."
However, climate change expert Prof Nishikant Kale begs to differ. He says Pranab moved a step forward by announcing Rs 200 crore for research to develop plant and seed varieties that yield more and can resist climate change. He said Rs 100 crore has also been allocated for eco-development programme.
"If not much, the allocation for the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) has been slightly increased by 5% from Rs 2,491 crore last year to Rs 2,629 crore this year. The FM has also announced relief for industries in renewable energy sector," added Kale. Read the full report here.
Source: Infrawindow News Bureau, Nagpur.
