New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS): Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has agreed to be the national green ambassador to initiate eco-friendly campaigns in India, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh announced Monday.

"I have been talking to Priyanka about how she can be a part of environment friendly campaigns nationally and be involved with projects such as tiger conservation and river cleaning, especially the Ganga river. I have said that this would be like her public service," Ramesh said at a press conference here.

"She (Priyanka) has been very kind and has given her consent for it," he added.

The 28-year-old actress is currently the green ambassador for NDTV-Toyota's environment campaign Greenathon. She was also present at the event, which was organised to announce Green Awards which are aimed at encouraging and acknowledging people who contribute towards environment conservation.

Dressed in a burnt orange dress, Priyanka said: "I will be very happy to do so."

Also present were Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chief R.K. Pachauri, NDTV chairman Prannoy Roy and officials from Toyota.

Pachauri told Priyanka: "You must be a part of the national movement for river cleaning, so that one day we can swim in the Ganga without any pollution."

Priyanka said it was small efforts by individuals that go a long way in keeping the surroundings clean and green.

"I would never want that my children or grandchildren don't see forests or not go for picnics in gardens. People should not throw tissues and garbage on the streets. Small things do make a difference," she said.