Jammu, Feb. 2: Union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday said that a final decision on commercial Bt brinjal will be taken on February 10.
"No decision has been taken on commercial genetically modified brinjal so far in view of ongoing public hearings being completed so far in six cities," he said, adding, "The final decision has to be taken on February 10. Six discussions have already taken place. The seventh meeting will take place on February 6. A final decision is due on February 10. We want public consensus on that."
Mr Ramesh maintained that In spite of border tensions, India and China can be allies as far as environment issues are concerned as they had joined the cause at the Copenhagen Summit.
While talking to the media on the sidelines of a function by Mansar lake, 60 km from Jammu, in connection with the celebration of World Wetlands Day, Mr Ramesh stated that on this issue of environment, India wants the cooperation of Nepal, Pakistan, China and Bhutan as well.
Sharing concern over what he described as the "poor health of the Himalayas", Mr Ramesh stated, "The glaciers in the Himalayas are receding. Some are receding fast while others are receding at a decelerating rate. There is enough evidence that the health of the Himalayas is poor. We have to feel concerned about that."
On account of the IPCC report, the Union minister stated that the IPCC was not delivering diligently. "They should have shown due diligence and adopted scientific methods for the report," he said.
Shuchismita