NEW DELHI: Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave passed away Thursday after suffering a heart attack. He had been hospitalised in AIIMS after he complained of breathlessness and discomfort.
Dave, a Rajya Sabha MP who took charge of the environment ministry in July, 2016, was active till his last day and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Wednesday. He was 60.
Born in Badnagar in Madhya Pradesh, Dave has been a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2009.
“Absolutely shocked by the sudden demise of my friend & a very respected colleague, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My condolences. I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss,” Prime Minister tweeted.
PM said that Dave will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment.
On Wednesday, Dave met a delegation of civil society groups who protested against the approval of GM Mustard. The final nod was to come from Dave and he had assured the activists that no decision will be taken in haste.
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“The minister was to go to Coimbatore for an official event but it was cancelled after his hospitalisation,” said Dave’s close aide.
Known for his contribution in the Narmada aandolan, Dave had not keeping well since January as he had pneumonia attack followed by viral fever. His sugar levels had also been high, but he worked from home during the budget session.
“Even when he was very sick, he used to sign files and complete important official work from home,” said a senior environment ministry official. Dave was unmarried.
Former environment minister and Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar was stepping in his place during question hour in both the houses of parliament.
“He used to spend maximum time in the office and worked till late hours. He was very efficient and issues related to the environment were important to him,” said another official.
(With inputs from PTI)