AUG 3- Stressing the need to maintain environmental balance, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the state was committed to protect environment alongwith industrial development.
“Gujarat has given priority to protect environment alongwith the development in industrial sector and has done well to protect the environment,” Modi claimed while addressing a gathering on the 64th Van-mahotsav here.
“People in Gujarat are taking care of the environment and planting trees. Those who are defaming Gujarat should come here and see how people are loving and protecting their environment,” he said.
Modi added that the number of lions in Gir forest in the state is increasing every year.
According to him, even though Gujarat’s 1,600-km-long coastline remained undeveloped in the past, the state government developed ports, “which are now busy round-the-clock”.
He said that for the families of fishermen, who turn jobless during the monsoon ‘sakhi mandals’ have been formed.
“These mandals collect seaweed that is used in making medicines. Thus, fishermen can earn even during the off-season,” he said.
INDIA TODAY
