- The subject never fails to elicit heated debate among concerned stakeholders, including government officials and environmentalists. Both have valid reasons to pursue their respective points of view, but the issue requires a thorough examination to make informed decisions. From the government’s perspective, initiating developmental measures in line with the ever-expanding demography is a necessity that cannot be put off for too long. However, environmentalists’ legitimate concerns deserve to be heard and addressed, as disaster caused by irresponsible environmental degradation has a crippling effect on the country’s growth prospects.
PC: Tashi Tobgyal
- The question here is whether a fine balancing act can be struck to ensure that growth prospects are not curtailed without harming environmental degradation for the benefit of future generations. But it’s easier said than done. The latest warning on indiscriminate mining in the ecologically sensitive Aravalis comes from the Central University of Rajasthan. According to the report, we may lose 22% of India’s oldest mountain range in just 40 years, from 2019 to 2059. The sheer magnitude of this single data point should cause us to pause. A flattening Aravali, which serves as a natural boundary to the Thar desert and a natural water recharge facility, will hasten desertification throughout the region.
- Nonetheless, the drone of mindless development, the quietly rolling earthmovers that pay no attention to environmental laws or law enforcement, appear to be unaffected. It is worth noting that a sizable portion of the activity that flattens the hills can be traced back to a tangle of government regulations and, more importantly, exemptions. Environmental laws are frequently weakened by a slew of exemptions, gaps, and reconversions of forest to non-forest land. Developers, city departments, and state governments then use these to intrude into protected eco-zones. Everyone, of course, makes money. Also, keep in mind that the majority of these activities serve no purpose. This is the heartbreaking part.
PC: Samriddhi Sakunia
- In contrast, when it comes to low-income housing, state action is swift even when the ecological threat is far less severe – the recent eviction from ASI land in Delhi’s Tughlakabad is an example. This is, of course, not just a problem for Aravalis. Developers are devouring forests, lakes, and fields from Uttarakhand to Rajasthan, Haryana to Goa, and the Northeast to build everything from yoga resorts to film studios. And the mindless exploitation continues in the name of urban developments, the needs of which appear to be unsatisfied. The Supreme Court has cried itself hoarse over irreversible Aravalis damage. Governments must act now. Why is a hill range being abused when a 10-year-old diesel car can be taken off the road to protect the environment?
