The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said growth is important for the people but should take place in a way which does not harm the environment. Dr. Singh said economic growth is essential for the people but growth can not be allowed to be pursued in a manner which damages the environment.

The Environment Ministers of the BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) are meeting in New Delhi, after the December climate change meet in Durban.

The meeting will be focused on working out a common and concerted strategy on the proposed new global climate change regime. It will be closely watched to assess the future prospects of the group comprising the four emerging economies.

AIR correspondent reports, since the Copenhagen round of talks in 2009, the BASIC has emerged as a key component for a successful outcome in climate talks.