Environment Minister Anil Dave passes away, PM Narendra Modi condoles demise

Union environment minister Anil Madhav Dave passed away in early morning on Thursday. He was 60.

Dave was sworn minister with independent charge of environment, forest and climate change last year. He hailed from Madhya Pradesh and was a member of Rajya Sabha.

"Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

Absolutely shocked by the sudden demise of my friend & a very respected colleague, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My condolences.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2017

"I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss."

I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2017

Dave's death was confirmed by family friend, Meena Agarwal. She said: "His body will be taken for embalming. And will be later taken to Indore."