Puri will give boost to green economy transition: Ex-UN body chief
Darpan News Desk IANS, 08 Jul, 2021 10:51 AM
New Delhi, July 8 (IANS) Former UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim on Thursday hailed the elevation of Hardeep Puri as he takes charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at a time when India will go through a major transformation to a green economy.
"I know Puri very well. He is a perfect fit for this important portfolio," Solheim told IANS in a message.
"Coming with great international and domestic experience at a time when India will go through a major transformation to a less polluting, green economy. He understands the green shift very well and will prioritise jobs and a people-centred approach. Win-win," he added.
The former Norwegian diplomat, politician and environment minister played a crucial role in 2018 as the UN Environment chief in convincing India to phase out single-use plastics by 2022, a major achievement in his crusade against plastic pollution.
Puri, a former diplomat, said the focus of the ministry under him will be to increase domestic production of crude oil and natural gas and help the country become 'Atmanirbhar'.
He said in line with the vision to create a gas-based economy in the country he would see that its availability and use of clean fuel is encouraged.
Commuters in the national capital may get relaxation from Odd-Even as the Delhi government plans to lift restrictions on vehicles on November 11-12 during the celebration of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Fun-loving veteran India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has compared Jasprit Bumrah with late Bollywood actor Dev Anand after the ace pacer posted a picture of him in casual-formals earlier in the week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first 'jatha' (group of devotees) visiting Kartarpur Sahib from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur after inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday.
At a three-hour-long hearing, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked UP, Haryana and Punjab governments to provide Rs 100 per quintal assistance within seven days to small and marginal farmers to help them from burning stubble to clear fields.
Punjab will organise a grand multi-media light and sound show at historical Sultanpur Lodhi city to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh master.
