After the sudden death of Anil Madhav Dave on 18 May, Harsh Vardhan was appointed as the new Environment Minister. He currently also holds the office of Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences. He took over the charges of the Environment Ministry by planting a sapling on the premises of the ministry in memory of Dave.
As it was Dave’s wish to be remembered and cherished in this way by planting trees. He did not want any statue or memorials to be built on his name.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), had recommended the commercial use of GM mustard and it was left on Dave to take the final call. But due to his death now the decision will be taken by Harsh Vardhan.