Environmental Degradation and Empowerment of the Meek

Source-This post on Environmental Degradation and Empowerment of the Meek has been created based on the article “After Wayanad, time to empower common people to claim their rightful inheritance” published in “The Indian Express” on 22 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context – Ongoing environmental damage in India, highlighted by recent disasters, shows the impact of unregulated human activities. For example, the landslide in Meppadi, Wayanad, which killed around 400 people, highlights the severe consequences of quarrying, mining, and construction on unstable slopes.

Quarrying causes severe health issues among locals, including asthma and lung cancer, due to diesel emissions and dust. The activity also results in landslips and damage to agriculture. The displaced Jharkhand tribals working in the quarries endure harsh conditions, and there are reports of quarry operators concealing worker deaths to avoid scrutiny.

What is the importance of technology in empowering marginalized sections of society?

1) Access to Affordable Smartphones –Affordable smartphones have allowed illiterate tribal people in remote areas to stay connected. For instance, tribals in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli and landless women in Bihar now use smartphones to communicate and sell goats online for higher prices.

2) Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report- The report’s wide distribution, especially through its Malayalam translation in Kerala, shows how technology empowers marginalized communities. It helped spread information and build support, driving awareness and action on environmental issues.

A detailed article on Wayanad Landslide- Causes, impact and management of Landslides in India can be read here.

What are the Proposed Actions for Sustainable Development?

1) Transfer of Quarry Operations- Transfer control of rock quarries to Kudumbashree groups. Past examples, like a women’s savings group in Mendha (Lekha) village, show that women can run such operations successfully, providing local jobs and protecting the environment.

2) Tourism Regulation: Prevent the establishment of new tourist resorts in sensitive areas and instead promote homestays organized by tribal communities. For ex- Goa and Sikkim.

3) Management of Tea Estates: Transfer tea estate management to well-organized labor cooperatives. These cooperatives should provide decent wages and housing for tea garden workers.

4) Reevaluation of Wildlife Protection Act- The Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) should be reassessed because it restricts people’s ability to protect themselves from wildlife attacks. Although the Indian Penal Code allows self-defense against assault or property damage, current rules often leave communities vulnerable to attacks by animals like pigs, elephants, tigers, and panthers

Conclusion –Ordinary people must assert their rights and get involved in decisions about their environment and livelihoods. Through collective action and community empowerment, India can build a fairer and more sustainable future.

Question for practice

Why is technology crucial for empowering marginalized groups, and what steps are proposed for sustainable development?