CM exhorts people to conserve natural resources

New Delhi, Jan 22 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today asked the people to fully understand the importance of conserving all natural resources including water otherwise there can be a world war like situation even over it.

She said this while inaugurating a three-day Delhi Sustainable Development Summit, organised by The Energy and Resources Institute, here.

Referring to global warming and increasing population, Ms Dikshit cautioned that these could lead to acute scarcity of natural resources, hence, it was imperative to be aware about conservation.

She exhorted the people to come forward and involve themselves in conserving all natural resources. Or be ready to face extremely difficult times, she added.

Describing Delhi as ''Mini India'' that was witnessing all-round development, the chief minister, however, said the fruits of development would not sustain forever because of the large number of people who were migrating to Delhi everyday.

''Delhi is a land-locked territory with limited resources,'' she said and called upon the people to conserve water and electricity.

Giving account of achievements of the state government in the field of environment protection, Ms Dikshit said green cover had expanded from 33 to over 300 sq km and the city was the only capital in the world having the largest public transport fleet propelled by CNG.

Ms Dikshit also commended the role played by TERI in helping conserve natural resources. She expressed confidence that the summit would go a long way in formulation of an acceptable plan of action.

Union Environment Minister A Raja and TERI Chief R K Pachauri were present on the occasion.

UNI