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| Final decision over Bt Brinjal cultivation on Feb 10: Jairam | | Mahatma Gandhi Chair in BGSBU announced | |
ARTEEV SHARMA
EARLY TIMES REPORT
MANSAR (SAMBA), Feb 2: Union Minister of State for Forest and Environment, Jairam Ramesh today clarified that no decision has been taken over introduction of genetically modified Bt Brinjal so far, saying consultation process is still on and a final decision would be taken on February 10.
Talking to media persons at the sidelines of a function organised in connection with World’s Wetland Day Celebrations at Mansar Lake, Jairam said “We are in process of public consultations and no decision has been taken on Bt Brinjal so far in view of ongoing public hearings being completed so far in six cities. On February 7, I will hold a meeting in Bangalore on the issue and by February 10, I will take a final decision whether the GM food should be commercially produced.”
“I can’t give you any personal views before February 10 as the final decision lies with the Government of India and being the Minister in charge, the responsibility in this regard lies on me. I want to hold an impartial public consultation over the matter,” he maintained.
The Union Minister further maintained, “Genetically Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) which is a scientific body in my ministry has given approval for Bt brinjal’s commercial production. But let me once again say clearly and categorically that the final decision rests with the Centre and as the minister concerned I have to take decision on GEAC recommendations.”
It was last October, the GEAC, a biotechnology regulatory authority, declared that genetically modified (GM) brinjal was safe for commercial cultivation.
He, however, said that he couldn’t allow commercial production of Bt Brinjal without more consultations with stakeholders. Over the commercial cultivation of genetically modified Bt Cotton, Ramesh said, “there is vast difference between Bt Cotton and Bt Brinjal. Brinjal is food item and consumed in abundance in different forms in our country daily. So we should look at the side affects before reaching any consensus over it.”
To another question, he said, “Most of glaciers in Himalayas are receding, some of glaciers are appears to advancing like Siachan while other glaciers are receding at a decelerating rate like Gangotri glaciers. Debris cover is large. There are enough evidences that health of Himalayan glaciers is poor and we have to concern about it.”
In response to query regarding Copenhagen summit where neighbouring country China had advocated the India’s stance over climate change, the Union Minister said, “India and China can be allies and India would seek cooperation from all neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bhutan and China to build consent on issues related to climate change.”
He further said that cooperation on environment related issues helped both the countries overcome trust deficit and build new relations. “In near future we are planning to go for strategic relations with China to conserve the Himalayan glacier,” Ramesh insisted.
Earlier, Jairam Ramesh while addressing the gathering comprising Ministers in the State Cabinet, bureaucrats, students and local people announced Mahatma Gandhi Chair for Ecology and Environment Studies in Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University. “In my recent visit to the University the need for such Chair was brought to my notice by the Vice Chancellor of the varsity and I feel pleasure to announce the Chair in the University. It would be set up from April 1, 2010 and about Rs 13 lakh would be spent annually for this purpose,” he said adding that the proposal to this effect has been approved only yesterday by his Ministry.
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