Raipur, March 14 Climate change has emerged as one of the most serious challenges facing the world, said National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava on Saturday, emphasizing the need to adopt sustainable development by combining traditional knowledge with modern technology.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the two-day Chhattisgarh Green Summit - ‘Sustainable Synergy: Traditionally Futuristic’, he said the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) conveys the message of harmony between humans and nature.
Shrivastava said rising greenhouse gas emissions have led to an increase in global temperatures, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and growing environmental risks across the world.
“To tackle this crisis, it is essential to adopt sustainable development by integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology,” he said during the event at Pt Ravishankar Shukla University in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur.
Chhattisgarh, with its rich forest cover and tribal traditions, presents strong examples of sustainable coexistence with nature. The same spirit was highlighted during the Green Summit as well, he added.
Addressing the gathering, the state’s Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, said Chhattisgarh has a distinct identity due to its rich forest resources, tribal culture, and natural wealth.
He said the government, society, and youth must work together for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Researchers and scholars from across the country presented papers on topics such as nature conservation, biodiversity, green technology, and other related themes during the summit, an official here said.
Several distinguished speakers from different parts of India also shared their views during various sessions. Among them were Padma Shri awardees Pandiram Mandavi, Ajay Mandavi, Usha Barle, Chaitram Pawar, and Phoolbasan Yadav, who spoke on subjects related to environment, climate change, culture, employment, and folk traditions, he said.
Participants and experts from states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and West Bengal also took part in special sessions of the summit.