The intricate web of policies governing diverse sectors often finds itself entangled in a discordant dance, leading to a compromised shield against environmental degradation. This phenomenon arises as conflicting interests among different sectors and stakeholders hinder the formulation and implementation of cohesive policies. For instance, the nexus between industrial growth and environmental conservation remains a perennial battleground, with economic imperatives often overshadowing ecological concerns. In many jurisdictions, lax regulations on resource extraction and land use have paved the way for deforestation and habitat destruction, as industries prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Additionally, conflicting interests in the agricultural sector, where intensive farming practices may clash with conservation goals, exacerbate the challenge of preserving ecosystems. The lack of a harmonized approach allows gaps in environmental protection, leaving ecosystems vulnerable to pollution, habitat loss, and climate change impacts. As a result, the environment becomes a casualty in the struggle for policy supremacy, necessitating a reevaluation and integration of diverse interests to achieve a more effective shield against environmental degradation.
Tag: Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to briefly write about Policy contradictions and policy paralysis.
- In Body,
- Discuss how the Policy contradictions led to environmental degradation along with examples.
- In Conclusion, try to link with various government steps to reduce contradictions.
Answer:
Article 48A (DPSP) and Article 51A (g) of the Constitution ensure the protection of the environment. In recent years, the pollution load has increased, sometimes beyond the carrying capacity of the environment due to the rapid economic development without adequately managing the environment. Though various measures have been adopted to manage pollution, significant progress has not been achieved due to Policy contradictions among various competing parties, which led to policy paralysis.
Policy Contradictions Led to Environmental Degradation:
- The lack of coordination and consciousness among different ministries, public institutions, and various stakeholders is responsible for rapid environmental degradation.
- The Ministry of Power exempted some power cooperatives from meeting the environmental compliances to fulfill their mandate of maximum power production in the country. As the power sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, such moves are responsible for degrading the environment.
- Infrastructure development requires huge land; it is responsible for deforestation and land damage which are causing environmental degradation. For example, cutting of trees for constructing the Mumbai Metro project, etc. Several construction projects through various protected areas are encroaching habitat of important wildlife species and are responsible for frequent man-animal conflict and the extinction of important species. For example, Road construction through Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Ken Betwa River interlinking project through Panna Tiger Reserve, etc.
- With the rapid growth of urbanization, cities are becoming unsustainable due to unplanned construction and a huge burden on resources. These are becoming prone to disasters like urban floods, pollution, etc. For example, Delhi Air pollution, Chennai Water crisis, etc.
- Agricultural activities in environmentally vulnerable areas are leading to the degradation of these areas through the introduction of invasive species, pollution, growth of weeds, deforestation, etc. Example: Destruction of Sundarban Mangroves, Jhum cultivation in the North-eastern States, etc.
- Various tourist activities in different areas are degrading the environment and creating a burden on natural resources. Local governments are promoting regional tourism industries by providing incentives to companies, developing dedicated circuits, etc., in an unsustainable manner. Example: Himalayan states, Beaches in both eastern and western ghats, etc.
- Industries are also creating a threat to the environment by dumping waste into the water bodies, emitting harmful gases, overexploitation of local natural resources, etc. there is also a lack of clarity in getting the green clearance of various plans by the ministries and departments. The mandate of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to promote industries is in contradiction with the Ministry of Environment. Example: Depletion of Yamuna River due to wastewater from industries etc.
- The allotment of mines by the Ministry and departments to the industries in the forest areas lacks the approach of environmental protection and is responsible for Land degradation, Pollution, depletion of forest and tribal rights, etc. Examples: Bauxite mining in Jharkhand, Coal mining in the Northeast region, etc.
- Various religious activities of people are leading to pollution of natural resources. Example: pollution of the Ganga River, etc.
The need of the hour is to create a balance between environment and development. The Centre and states should strengthen environmental institutions and develop effective coordination among different ministries, public institutions, and stakeholders who are also required to cope with environmental degradation. Various steps like single window clearance, nonpoint source monitoring, District mineral fund, strengthening the role of gram sabha and people, etc. are the right steps in the direction of sustainable development.
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