January 03, 2002

‘3’

PRESIDENT, PM CONDOLE DEATH OF DR. ANIL AGARWAL

   The President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan, has condoled the death of Dr. Anil Agarwal, a well known environmentalist. The President said:

    "I am deeply shocked and grieved to learn of the untimely and said demise of Dr. Anil Agarwal, a well known personality who remained in the forefront of the struggle for sustainable development and clean environment.

    A brilliant engineer, Dr. Agarwal deeply involved himself with the movement for protection of environment right after he completed his education and continued to identify with movements for sustainable development till the very end of his life. Working closely with the poor people at the grassroots level he remained at the centre of many programmes undertaken by them to revive rivers, harvest rainwater, reclaim land and stop land degradation. A tireless and compassionate crusader for the cause of environment, his activities extended beyond the frontiers of our country. He espoused the cause of sustainable development and cleaner environment at many international fora and mobilized public opinion on such issues both at the national and international levels. He was the champion of the third world interests at international conferences on environment. I have had the opportunity to watch with admiration and gratitude Dr. Agarwal’s tireless efforts in spite of his ill health for protecting and improving our land, water, forests, bio-diversity and other natural resources. He literally died a martyr to the cause of environment. Through his numerous studies and practical actions he strove to fight against poverty which constituted the major problem behind the environmental degradation. The Centre for Science and Environment of which he was the Director, will remain a landmark institution in our attempt for a critical understanding of the present path of development and in our quest for a healthy and clean environment. Many of his initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, watershed management programmes and involvement of poor and ordinary women in regenerating our environment have emerged as major movements in our country. His outlook, approach, thinking and practical action revolved around existence of modern and scientific civilization of mankind in harmony with nature.

    In his death, India and indeed the world has lost a planetary citizen whose constructive exertions were oriented to save mankind from an environmental catastrophe. His life and deeds will remain forever a shining example of dedication for making mankind’s onward advancement consistent with ecological protection. On this sad and solemn occasion, I pay my tribute and homage to this environmental crusader and send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the wide circle of his co-workers, admirers and friends".

    The Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has expressed grief and shock at the demise of noted environmental activist, Dr. Anil Agarwal, here today.

    In his condolence message, the Prime Minister said that Dr. Agarwal was a perfect example of the adage governing the environment of our times – "think global, act local". Shri Vajpayee said that in his death, the nation has not only lost a profound thinker, but also a person who made this world a better place to inhabit. The thrust provided by him to the environmental issues would continue to inspire posterity to work for a healthier, cleaner and a better world, Shri Vajpayee added.