Canada offers green technology to clean river Yamuna

"Canada would like an opportunity to demonstrate before 2010 Commonwealth Games begins in Delhi how its technology could change the outlook of the river and restore its glory in the city," official sources said here yesterday.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will discuss with top government officials in Delhi how Ontario's clean-tech sector could save the river which is clinically dead, little more in some sections than a black tar-like moving mass, gurgling with gases and garbage, the sources said.

"Ontario, which has world-class high-tech industry with 2,600 environmental firms, is ready to provide access to India its new environmental friendly technologies as desired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently to strengthen shaping a greener and more dynamic Indian economy,"  McGuinty had said before his departure to India.

McGuinty began his six-day 'trade mission India' in New Delhi yesterday and met with Indian business leaders and investors, highlighting Ontario's expertise in environmental technology and infrastructure.

The premier also met with Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Road Transportation and Highways, and senior government officials.

In a release, McGuinty said Ontario companies have a lot to offer India as it makes plans for sustainable growth.

He said Ontario's biggest advantage is that so many of our residents come from India -- and they know the culture and speak the languages.

As many as 27 Canadian companies will pitch products and services to Indian officials desperate to save rivers choked with pollution and groundwater laced with poisons left from aggressive fertilising.

Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Harinder Takhar, Minister of Consumer Services and several Member of Parliament are also being part of the delegation.