Environmental issues do not really matter in Indian politics. Pollution, deforestation and land degradation have always been fringe issues - either by choice or by ignorance of those who matter. But signs of change are becoming apparent - at least in some states…
The Chief
Ministers who came out ahead were Chamling of Sikkim, Digvijay Singh of Madhya Pradesh, and Dhumal of Himachal Pradesh. Personal interest in sustainable development, promotion of civil society, and public participation (especially by the poor) were some of the criteria adopted. Attention given to forest-dwelling communities, the amount of power exercised by bureaucrats, and rampant industrialization without adequate checks and balances were some of the other deciding factors.
Environmentalists
praised the Sikkim Chief Minister''s
efforts to curtail logging and to restrict timber transport. He was also praised for promoting eco-tourism (that gives employment opportunities to a lot of people), maintaining tourist spots and conservation of ethnic culture. The Chief Minister of Himachal has allowed villagers to choose the kind of forest-related
activities needed in their area, such as water-shed management, tree plantation, drainage etc... He has also evolved a strategy to involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developmental activities right down to the village level. Environmentalists have also praised the Chief Minister of Manipur for making efforts to conserve the Loktak lake.
Apart from afforestation, there are several other measures that have been adopted by some states, such as efforts to promote Panchayati Raj (local self-governance), watershed management,
Environmental awareness and waste disposal. Community forestry projects are also the favorites of several chief ministers.
The move by certain Chief Ministers to promote mega power projects, highways in virgin
forests and housing colonies in wetlands has not brought them the expected dividends. In conclusion, it is not considered fashionable any longer to unleash bulldozers upon virgin forests, without bothering about the environmental costs involved. The rhetoric of development has been seen to be just that – empty rhetoric, without much substance to it. The people are watching, and some of them are thinking about the consequences as well…
More summaries about the Article: Taking the lead