Ahead of a meeting with environment ministers of BASIC countries, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said growth is important for the people but should take place in a way which does not harm the environment.

"Economic growth is essential for the people, but we cannot allow growth to be pursued in a manner which damages our environment," the PM said on Twitter, according to the PMO.

Environment ministers of BASIC countries- Brazil, South Africa, India and China- are calling upon the Prime Minister on Monday.

The Environment ministers of the BASIC countries are meeting again 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.

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