'Protect India's environment by stopping exploitation of nature'

Manipal, Mar 26 (UNI) India faced the threat of being hit by natural calamities, if proper and enough care is not taken to protect its environment by curtailing excess exploitation of nature, Advisor to Prime Minister and former Union Minister Prof M G K Menon has cautioned.

Delivering the convocation address at T A Pai Management Institute here, the renowned scientist said there was an urgent need to put an end to mismanagement of urban structure and reckless use of energy resources. ''Resources of our country come from its soil and it is our responsibility and duty to protect this and pass it on to our next generation,'' he added.

Prof Menon said ''Our approach to nature is quite different from the West. While India is pro-poor and nature centric, the West is techno-centric. Development is possible only by being in harmony with nature.'' He said though the country's GDP growth rate and per capita income were fast moving upward, wasteful expenditure was also growing on the other hand. ''We are totally imitating the West in the race for modern growth,'' he lamented, adding ''I am not against the growth of the country, but at the same time it should not override the basic value system of social justice and equality.'' UNI MA RG MSJ KN1727