‘Environmental policies being changed to favour corporate sector’

Environmentalists, activists and scholars on Friday criticised the Narendra Modi government for reportedly attempting to change the environmental policy regime in favour of corporate entities.

On occasion of World Environment Day here, environmental governance during one year of NDA government was assessed.

“A high level committee was constituted to review the existing environment laws and change in favour of corporate August 29 last year. The committee submitted its report hurriedly within 80 days without consulting public,” said Prafulla Samantra, president of Lok Shakti Abhijan and petitioner in a number of PIL concerning environmental challenges.

“Since interest of business and industry has been given paramount importance, recommendations in the report override the right to clean air, water and balanced eco-system. If the HLC recommendations are accepted, the State will abdicate its protective role mandated under Article 48 (A) of the Constitution,” Mr. Samantra said.

Public participation in consultation process and hearings has been given low priority and people would not have dissenting voice on any projects, said activists and academicians.

The HLC tries to limit role of National Green Tribunal, a quasi-judicial body that has emerged as the most effective grievance redressal mechanism on environmental issues, they said.

“The recommendations, if accepted, would dismantle the foundation of environmental rights in India and only lead to an increase in environmental conflicts, and should therefore be rejected in its entirety,” said Rabi Das, veteran journalist.

Government departments, non-government organisations and educational institutions celebrated the day on different themes.

At State-level celebration of World Environment Day, State Forest Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha said: “The State government has constituted climate change cell. Implementable programmes are being taken up to reduce carbon emission. Ultra mega power plants will use super critical technology which results in higher operating efficiency and also reduces the carbon emissions compared to older plants. Similarly, new mangrove forests are being created to maintain environmental balance along the coast.”

As many as 231 individuals were conferred with ‘Prakruti Bandhu’ and 238 organisations were awarded ‘Prakruti Mitra’ awards on the occasion.