Union Environment Minister Anil Dave passes away, PM calls it personal loss

New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave passed away early on Thursday morning, media reports said. He was 60.

Dave complained of uneasiness at his home his morning and was rushed to AIIMS where he passed away, official sources told PTI.

He was a member of the Rajya Sabha since 2009.

Dave was sworn as minister with independent charge of environment, forest and climate change last year.

He had a long time association with the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh and shot into prominence in 2003 when he crafted the strategy leading to the defeat of Chief Minister Digvijay Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock at the minister's demise. "Absolutely shocked by the sudden demise of my friend and a very respected colleague, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My condolences," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

"Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment," Modi added.

"I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss," Modi said.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also expressed shock at Dave's demise.

"Dave was very active and sensitive to issues pertaining to environment. His dedication to work was highly appreciated. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the members of Anil Dave's family," Singh said.