A mobile science exhibition inaugurated by the Minister of State, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Jayanthi Natarajan in the Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS), concluded in the city on Tuesday.
The 16-coach Science Express had exhibits, short films and videos on a variety of ecological issues such as climate change, energy and water conservation.
Delivering the presidential address during the inauguration of the exhibit, Natarajan said that the exhibition was a unique effort undertaken by a variety of governmental and non-governmental organisations to “reach out to the youth of India.”
She also spoke of the debate on how the protection of the environment is perceived to be detrimental to the economic development of the country, and said that this “misapprehension” had been completely put to rest after what had transpired in Uttarakhand. She reiterated her stand that the environment would always be given precedence over unsustainable, short-term development and added, “The only good development, is sustainable development.”
She also spoke of how inclusive development, keeping in mind the economic, social and ecological viability of each and every project, would be ascertained by the government before being implemented.
This will be the second phase of the SEBS, which will conclude its pan-India adventure on October 28.
The mobile exhibition has already halted at 300 locations in 1,100 days of touring the country, drawing over 24 lakh visitors to its exhibits. The SEBS was described as “an innovative exhibition travelling in an air-conditioned train to create awareness among general public about the unique biodiversity of India.”