Environmental concerns in India

Source: The post environmental concerns in India has been created, based on the article “Create the space for governance with a green heart” published in “The Hindu” on 24th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

Context: The article discusses India’s urgent need for genuine environmental policies. It criticizes the government’s lackluster response to environmental degradation, including deforestation, city pollution, Himalayan damage, and ineffective environmental impact assessments. It calls for real action to protect the environment and public health.

What are the major environmental concerns in India?

1. Climate Change Vulnerability: Despite frequent mentions, India has taken limited action on climate change. Rising energy consumption has not been matched by emissions cuts. Floods, famines, and droughts are becoming more common, requiring better contingency plans.
2. Forest Cover: India has only 28 trees per person, compared to Canada’s 8,953 and China’s 130. Forest cover has significantly decreased in the last 20 years. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, exacerbates this issue.
3. Urban Pollution: Cities like Delhi and Mumbai suffer from severe air pollution. Bengaluru and Delhi face water shortages. Rivers like the Yamuna have become sewers. Only 28% of urban sewage is treated nationwide.
4. Himalayan Degradation: Glaciers are receding rapidly, with up to 80% forecast to disappear this century. Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns have significantly impacted the region. This affects water and food security in North India. Protests in Ladakh have been ignored.
5. Ineffective Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): EIAs have become mere formalities. Projects like the Char Dham Highway have caused significant environmental damage. EIAs need stronger legal status.
6. Wetlands and marginal landscapes, crucial for biodiversity, face increasing threats due to climate change and poor conservation efforts.

What should be done?

1. Reduce Emissions: Implement strict policies to cut down emissions. Prioritize clean energy sources beyond solar energy.
2. Improve Climate Resilience: Develop contingency plans for floods, famines, and droughts. Update building guidelines and preserve natural barriers like mangrove forests.
3. Protect the Himalayas: Address glacier retreat and changing weather patterns. Respond to protests from affected areas like Ladakh.
4. Strengthen EIAs: Elevate EIAs to statutory status. Ensure meaningful stakeholder participation.

Avoid Greenwashing: Replace green credits and compensatory afforestation with genuine conservation efforts. Strengthen enforcement mechanisms for environmental laws.

For detailed information on Greenwashing read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the effectiveness of India’s current environmental policies in addressing key concerns.