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In strong message on climate change, PM Modi to inaugurate Gandhi Solar Park

WION
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaWritten By: Sidhant SibalUpdated: Sep 24, 2019, 04:28 AM IST
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File photo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Photograph:(AFP)

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The event will take place at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Chamber where leaders will address under the theme 'Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the contemporary world'.

 

 

In a strong message on action on climate change, Prime minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Gandhi Solar Park, built with India's help on the roof of the United Nations. 

He will be joined by five world leaders, South Korea President Moon Jae In, Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. 

The event will take place at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Chamber where leaders will address under the theme "Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the contemporary world".

Syed Akbaruddin, India's envoy to United Nations said, "Gandhi Ji is known, as a votary and prophet of non-violence and his views known worldwide but there is less knowledge on how he was focused on sustainability, environment, clean energy and simplicity in life. All these are reflected in solar energy and that is why we chose the solar park. Since it will be a tribute to Gandhiji on his 150 birth anniversary we have in consultation with UN-designated it as Gandhi solar park ".

Watch: Discussion on 'Brand Modi & An Enthused Diaspora' 

There are 193 solar panels, each representing, a member country of the United Nations and the annual output from each panel is 86244 kWh/year, which is equal to CO2 emissions from 30,246 kg of coal burned. This equals to the carbon sequestered from 1008 tree seedlings grown for 10-years. United Nations will also release special UN postage stamp commemorating 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and remotely inaugurate Gandhi Peace Park.

Earlier on Monday, prime minister Narendra Modi's first engagement at the United Nations was at Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talks is over, the world needs to act now". 

He said, "What is needed today, is a comprehensive approach which covers everything from education to values, and from lifestyle to developmental philosophy. What we need is a global people’s movement to bring about behavioural change."

India aims to increase its share of non-fossil fuel, and by 2022 plans to increase renewable energy capacity to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW. In addition, India is also providing clean cooking gas to 150 million families.

Almost 80 countries have joined India lead International Solar Alliance campaign.