The environment ministry was seen as an obstacle to economic growth. How have things changed?

There used to be delays and we have avoided delays. Now we have policy-based decisions. Processes are made transparent because they are online, and are time-bound. But there is no compromise on environmental conditions. These conditions will remain as they are or be made more stringent. There was no compliance and that is the most important thing.

Rapid clearances and simpler rules - is the Modi government swinging in the opposite direction, giving the industry a free pass?

Absolutely untrue. In the last eight months, our government has shown that we care for nature more, and we have made conditions for environment protection more stringent. We have mandated that more than 3,000 industrial units in 17 critically polluting sectors set up 24x7 monitoring devices on their effluent discharge points and chimney. We are now reviewing industry's preparedness. This is the first step. Then, over the next three years, we will make this system mandatory for 100,000 industrial units, which are polluting air and water. Another measure we have taken is tightening emission norms for the cement industry. India is the second largest cement producer in the world, and it is a big polluter. So the cement industry will have to go in for a major revamp — they have already begun ordering new machinery to meet the new norms. Our mandate is very clear — clean water, clean air, clean energy and more greenery. It is on these four things that we are building the structure of environmental protection. We are also focused on making environment (protection) a people's movement. The idea is to build pressure through public movement ...we are converting the ministry into a people-centric organisation. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is also an environmentally friendly activity. These are different departments but our mandate is same. All this won't happen in a year.

What interventions are being taken to ensure better compliance?

The 24x7 monitoring I mentioned is one such initiative. But there are many more initiatives, we are currently debating those and we will make it public once it is finalised. But let me stress that compliance will be the mainstay of our ministry.

Is there going to be a change in policy regarding the use of forests?

There are suggestions, and the forest policy has not been revisited in a while. We think top priority has to be greening of degraded forests. In Ahmednagar, we identified 80 acres on city outskirts and 20 acres in the heart. The idea is a Smriti Van — paying Rs 1,000 or Rs 2,000 to plant a tree in memory of someone.

Will you go ahead with GM crops and lift moratorium on commercial Bt Brinjal?

BJP mandate was very clear on scientific evaluation ... safe field trials are part of it. Six trials are on in agricultural universities. On Bt Brinjal, the matter is in Supreme Court, and we will wait for the order. We are going ahead with limited field trials. You can't stop science, what you must ensure as a government is that any scientific evaluation has to be safe.

Poor air quality in cities is a big concern...

The transport ministry is already working on the issue. Nitin Gadkarji has some plans about bringing about a revolution in (reducing) vehicular pollution. He has promoted e-rickshaws, CNG and we are mandating solar in some places. We should not fall prey to mischievous propaganda some have carried out —we have to take an average. If at some point we have very bad air that is not the rule, we must take a composite picture into account.

PM Modi spoke of the pressure to address climate change. Yet the government is going ahead in doubling coal production.

All countries are doing this, clean energy and coal. In one forum I asked why these countries don't stop exporting coal. They want to export coal and earn profit and simultaneously lecture people about not consuming coal. This is double-speak. In India 30% people have no access to energy, 50% don't have enough access, and in such a scenario of poverty eradication, ensuring energy access and growth becomes our priority. So our coal consumption will increase but we will adopt cleaner practices. We have increased the cess on coal. I am sure soon enough we will evolve some technology on carbon capture and storage. Coal consumption will rise, but so will our energy efficiency and renewable energy portfolio. So we will have a good mix.

How are you remedying lack of funds?

We need some international funds, and national funds. Wait till the Budget. Last year, a National Adaptation Fund was created and Rs 100 crore was provided. Now we have all plans in place, and have put up more demand for funds. This year the operation will start.

India is traditionally seen as a naysayer in climate negotiations.

The world has got a changed image of India. We always give positive suggestion because we want the world to move on a green path. We are taking action on climate change on our own conviction and that will continue. I think this approach has been appreciated by the world leaders. Countries must come together so that a consensus can be built ahead of Paris (climate summit in December).