Two key negotiators fret, delay Copenhagen trip

Needless to say this has caused embarrassment to the government. However, Ramesh, who on Sunday met the two — retired IFS officer Chandrashekhar Dasgupta and Environment Secretary Pradipto Dasgupta — claimed there was no difference of opinion within the government on the matter. He said the two officials would now leave for Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Several of India’s negotiators at the climate meet were reported to be upset over Ramesh’s announcement in the Lok Sabha Thursday that the country would undertake voluntary carbon intensity reduction of 20-25 pc by 2020.

The two negotiators, instead of leaving for Copenhagan on Sunday, met Ramesh to discuss issues like India’s basic position on per capita emission principles, transfer of technology, verification and domestically financed programmes. “I have met the negotiators who had differences... Today’s (Sunday) discussion was necessary and productive to ensure strength for India at Copenhagen. They will leave for Copenhagen on Tuesday,” Ramesh said.

It is understood the negotiators wanted to know if the negotiations would be based on per capita emission aspect as stated by the Prime Minister at the CHOGM and the issue of making unreciprocated concessions.

Those who have already left for Copenhagen include PM’s Special Envoy on climate change Shyam Saran, Bureau of Energy Efficiency head Ajai Mathur and Environment Secretary Vijai Sharma.