For a better and greener India

In an event organised by Greenpeace India, the 'Green Charter' was focused in the climate dialogue in which a list of demands relating to climate conditions were discussed. To ensure clean air, safe food and clean energy access. They pledged that whichever party comes to power, they will make sure that it works towards fulfilling the demands listed in the charter.

Kajal Maheshwari, an environmentalist said, "We are not against development but it has to be sustainable. We need a habitable city for our future generations. Therefore, the elected government must ensure political will to conserve environment and act on climate."

Divya Veluguri from Centre for Sustainable Agriculture added, "Climate change is a manmade disaster, the effects of which are being borne by the most vulnerable populations. The government -- both centre and state -- should allocate adequate budget to enable farmers to shift towards ecological farming."

"From flash floods and cyclones, to heat waves, droughts, and air pollution -- climate change impacts every aspect of human life, leading to diseases and decrease in life expectancy. Thankfully, solutions to decrease emissions from fossil fuels exist, like solar, wind and other renewable energy, and electric transport. Energy transition is the need of the hour, and national and local governments need to act urgently to implement these," said Pujarini Sen, climate and energy campaigner, Greenpeace India.

Residents also expressed their disappointment over the fact that environmental issues were missing out of the political discourse. "There is a huge gap between the environmental challenges the country is facing, and the promises political parties are making.

Which ever party comes to power, we want them to immediately address the issues of climate change, air pollution, energy access, safe food, water scarcity, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss," said Hilal, 22, a graduate student and a first-time voter.

Greenpeace India urges all citizens of India and political parties to address the issues listed in the green charter and create a healthy sustainable world for the future generations.