Ahead of Modi's visit, Berlin assures help with climate change

NEW DELHI: Supporting India's efforts to deal with the threat of climate change through a range of adaptation measures, Germany today promised to help the country in its efforts of cleaning the Ganga, conservation of water resources, waste management, its step to develop smart cities and meet its renewable energy goals by extending technological and financial support.

The assurance came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Germany in April when a number of deals, including on renewable energy (solar and wind), are expected to be signed between the two countries.

After a series of meetings, including one with Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar and another with water resources minister Uma Bharti, the German delegation, headed by environment and nature conservation minister Barbara Hendricks, agreed to set up different `working groups' to finalize details of cooperation.

One working group will be on waste management that will focus on `circular economy' where waste of one industry can be treated in such a way that it can be used as raw material for another industry .

The other working group on water management will work out the details of cooperation on restoration of water bodies and more efficient use of water resources across the country ."All the details will be worked out before the Prime Minister's visit to Germany in April", said an official.

Germany will also provide 3 million euros to India to support the NDA government's pet project of Ganga rejuvenation and explore various options to develop the country's national river.

Hendricks said Germany was committed to help India in its efforts to move on the clean energy path and assist in various adaptation measures to tackle the threat of climate change.