India’s urgent need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA)

Source: The post India’s urgent need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) has been created, based on the article “India needs an environmental health regulatory agency” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment

Context: The article highlights India’s urgent need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) to address pollution and health risks. It emphasizes integrating environmental and health data, adopting global best practices, and promoting sustainable policies for economic growth and public well-being.

What is the need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) in India?

1. India faces severe environmental health challenges due to pollution. The air, water, and soil pollutants are linked to many non-communicable diseases, affecting vulnerable groups like children and the elderly the most.
2. India’s existing governance model, involving the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), lacks integration with health policies.
3. This results in poor coordination of environmental monitoring and health impact assessments.

How can an EHRA improve India’s environmental and public health management?

1. Centralized Data Integration: An EHRA can integrate environmental and health data, enabling policymakers to address pollution and health risks effectively. Currently, there is little coordination between the CPCB, MoEFCC, and MoHFW.
2. Learning from Global Models: Successful frameworks like the U.S. EPA, Germany’s UBA, and Japan’s MOE demonstrate how integrated approaches to environment and health enhance governance. For example, the U.S. EPA links air quality control with health outcomes.
3. Addressing Regional Variations: Pollution and health challenges vary across regions. An EHRA could work with state and local governments to implement localized solutions.
4. Promoting Economic Growth: The U.S. EPA shows environmental regulation spurs innovation and green jobs. Similarly, an EHRA can support India’s energy transition and sustainable practices.
5. Public Awareness and Accountability: By involving citizens, NGOs, and media, an EHRA can promote awareness and advocate cleaner, healthier living conditions.
6. Additionally, it would help India align with international standards and commitments like the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

What challenges might arise with the establishment of an EHRA, and how could they be overcome?

1. Challenges in Establishing an EHRA
2. Bureaucratic Inertia: Coordination between existing bodies like CPCB, MoEFCC, and MoHFW may face resistance due to overlapping responsibilities and lack of data sharing.
3. Industry Resistance: Businesses might oppose stricter regulations, fearing increased compliance costs. For instance, industries could resist pollution control measures similar to those implemented by the U.S. EPA.
4. Operational Independence: Ensuring the EHRA operates without political interference is critical for its effectiveness.
5. How to Overcome Challenges
6. Clear Frameworks: Establish inter-ministerial coordination with measurable objectives for accountability.
7. Global Examples: Learn from the EPA’s success in promoting green jobs and sustainable practices while supporting economic growth.
8. Public Involvement: Educate and empower citizens and NGOs to advocate for cleaner environments and hold industries accountable.

Question for practice:

Discuss the need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) in India and how it can address environmental and public health challenges effectively.