<div>A number of initiatives are being launched in India to promote green and sustainable lifestyles as the country marks UN World Environment Day on Friday.</div><div> </div><div>Union Minister Anant Geete will flag off a rally of electric and hybrid vehicles to spread environmental awareness.</div><div> </div><div>A major attraction of the rally will be a launch by Mahindra and Mahindra of its E-verito sedan, which is the first four-door pure electric model in the country, the Ministry of Heavy Industries said. <strong><span style="line-height: 15.3999996185303px;"><a href="http://www.businessworld.in/news/economy/india-inc-gears-up-to-celebrate-world-environment-day/1886187/page-1.html">(India Inc Celebrates World Environment Day)</a></span></strong></div><div> </div><div>Indian Railways said issues related to the environment like solid waste management, pollution control, water management and energy management will be discussed at a workshop on "Environmental Challenges before Indian Railways and Solutions" in New Delhi on Friday.</div><div> </div><div>"We are also planning to introduce water audit to assess consumption and wastage at major stations like New Delhi, Old Delhi, Nizamuddin, Lucknow and Varanasi," a Railway Ministry official said.</div><div> </div><div>Besides, a waste water recycling plant is also being planned at Delhi Lahori Gate. Recycled water will be used for washing and horticulture purpose.</div><div> </div><div>Railways also plans installing rain water harvesting facilities at its all new projects.</div><div> </div><div><div>Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a 'Kadamb' sapling at his Race Course Road residence lawns and exhorted people to plant as many trees as possible.</div><div> </div><div>Modi said people should take pride in the number of trees planted by them, just the same way they take pride in worldly possessions.</div><div> </div><div>He said that living in harmony with nature is the only way to avoid a catastrophic situation on the planet.</div><div> </div><div>Modi also placed a traditional earthen-pot (matka) along with the sapling, which is a traditional way of conserving water, and ensuring that the sapling has regular water supply, a PMO statement said.</div><div> </div><div>Union Minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar was present on the occasion.</div><div> </div><div><strong><span style="line-height: 15.3999996185303px;">No Cars Day</span></strong></div></div><div><div>Air India employees are observing the day by not using cars and plastic.</div><div> </div><div>"Employees are to observe 'No Cars Day' by leaving their cars at home and using public transport system on June 5. Besides, Air Indians will observe a 'No Plastics Day' by not only desisting to use plastic bags which pose health and environment hazards but also dissuade others from using such bags," it said.</div><div> </div><div>Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan has also appealed to his 23,000-odd employees to switch off non-essential lights in Air India buildings, offices and homes between 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm to support energy conservation.</div><div> </div><div>"Let us all hold our hands and move forward in the right direction to conserve nature and pass on the benefits to our next generation," Nanadan said.</div></div><div> </div><div>The Indian Navy said it is using environment-friendly vehicles at the naval base of Southern Naval Command in Kochi.</div><div> </div><div>"Battery operated environment friendly trucks, cycles, motor cycles and forklifts are being used in naval premises for transportation of men and material. This has reduced air pollution and wastage of fuel," the navy said.</div><div> </div><div>"Aero generators, Solar and Wind hybrid power generation systems are installed at some units as part of sustainable source of clean energy", it said.</div><div> </div><div>India is the world’s third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and environmental issues are becoming a growing public concern in the country.</div><div> </div><div>The Modi government has said it is commited to fight global warming.</div><div> </div><div>The country has set unprecedented targets for clean energy and to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.</div><div> </div><div>India's renewable energy investments rose to $4 billion last fiscal year to March 31 from $3.4 billion a year earlier.</div><div> </div><div>India reckons its renewable energy industry could generate business opportunities worth $160 billion in the next five years, making it a lucrative market.</div><div> </div><div>The government wants to quintuple India's renewable energy capacity to 175 gigawatts by 2022.</div><div> </div><div>That will more than double the share of renewable energy sources in the mix of fuel India consumes from the current 6 per cent.</div>
