President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has stressed on the need for development of environment friendly eco- villages in the country.

Speaking in Pune on the occasion of prize distribution ceremony of environment- balanced rural enrichment scheme of the Maharashtra Government, she said more than 60 per cent of population lived in rural area and thrust should be given on recycling and reusing of available recourses.

The President pointed out the importance of unconventional energy methods and cautioned about the ill effects of global warming and climate change.

Forty villages in the state received prizes on this occasion. Maharashtra Chief Minister Pruthivraj Chavan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.