Cutting across political lines, tributes poured in for Union Minister Anil Dave who breathed his last on Thursday as leaders, ministers and Governors acknowledged his hardwork and contribution as the country’s environment minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to condole Dave’s death and tweeted: “Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment."

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

Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said Dave had dedicated his life to the conservation of the Narmada river with "exemplary honesty."

"It is really sad and shocking. He was a great, great environmentalist," Akbar told the media.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the nation has lost a true patriot.

"Anil Dave was true worker of the RSS and the BJP. Throughout his life, he served the nation with utter dedication. The nation has lost a true patriot and son of mother Narmada. This loss would not be compensated ever," he tweeted,

Meanwhile, Congress president Sonia Gandhi remembered Dave as a “soft spoken” and “gentle human being”.

"Shocked by his sudden demise… (he was a) soft spoken and gentle human being… He will be fondly remembered for his humble personality," she said. 

Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit in his condolence message said that the death of the union minister was a great loss to the country.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her condolence message said: “Saddened at the sudden passing of Union Minister Anil Dave Ji. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed grief and regret and said: “I express my heartfelt condolences and sympathies with the family of Anil Madhav Dave and pray for his soul to reach the holy abode.

Former Union Minister and Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described the BJP leader as a "very nice man" and remembered the support Dave had extended to him during his stint as Environment Minister in the previous Congress-led UPA government.

"He supported whatever I did when I was minister," Ramesh said adding that Dave had a special interest in river conservation.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das said Dave had devoted his life to environmental issues and the country has lost a committed environmentalist and worthy politician.

Dave, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and a member of Parliament from Madhya Pradesh, died at his official sidence in Delhi. 

He was found dead around 7.30 am on Thursday when his staff tried to wake him up, sources said.

The national flag will fly at half-mast across the country on Thursday.