India - US Renew agreement on environmental cooperation

India and the United States renew the agreement on environment cooperation. Both the countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to renew their commitment to work cooperatively on environmental issues in New Delhi today. It was signed by Minister of Environment and Forests, Mr. A. Raja. And the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.It focuses on four priorities namely air quality, water quality, toxic chemicals and waste and the management of environmental agencies.

Administrator Stephen L. Johnson expressed the view that renewing this MOU will strengthen EPA's vital collaborations with India in order to continue to accelerate the pace of environmental progress in both nations.

Today's renewed commitment builds on significant accomplishments during the first five years of the memorandum of understanding. Through collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation and the California Air Resources Board, the city developed a comprehensive air quality management plan that is currently being replicated in six cities throughout India. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with Pune and the state of Maharashtra to demonstrate the effectiveness of using technology to reduce air pollution from diesel buses and auto-rickshaws.

In Hyderabad, the Environmental Protection Agency is working with the World Health Organization and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board to prevent drinking water contamination, protecting the health of 200,000 residents.

The renewed memorandum of understanding agrees to expand upon these successful initiatives to protect human health and the environment and promote sustainable development in India.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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