New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS): A ministry considered a "hindrance" to development-related works, has now become a "facilitator" of sustainable development, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said Monday.

Launching an e-book on the ministry here, Javadekar said the central government was committed to development and clearance for such projects would be given on a priority basis.

"We have become facilitator and the old tag of being a hurdle has been removed," he said.

The minister also stressed the need for India to effectively put forward its stand in Conference of Parties - CoP 21 - scheduled to be held in Paris this year.

The environment ministry is working to make India a 'plastic-free country' drive where in people, through awareness campaigns, would be encouraged to avoid using plastic.

"Rivers, lakes and ponds would also be restored, while reviving save water and electricity campaign," he said.

Javadekar also sought to clear all apprehensions regarding the present laws concerning
environment that they might get diluted in order to make development project-clearance smoother.

"We are not diluting any rule or act to facilitate the development," Javadekar said.

"People's participation was central to the developmental process.The environment ministry would initiate several public campaigns for turning degraded lands into urban greens and making environment plastic bags free. Besides, the youth would be the special focus of campaigns," Javadekar added.