• UGI USER
  • Mar 26, 2024
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INDIA NEEDS TO BRING ENVIRONMENT ISSUES TO POLITICAL MAINSTREAM

Syllabus:

  • GS3 : Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Why in the News?

  • Despite alarming reports and global concerns, environmental issues have not been prioritized in India’s political agenda, contrasting with the proactive stance of European nations.

Focus:

  • The editorial highlights India’s escalating environmental challenges, including air, water, and soil pollution.
  • The piece emphasizes the urgent need to integrate environmental concerns into mainstream political discourse.
Source: Geek for Geeks

Alarming Environmental Degradation

  • Rising Pollution Concerns:
  • India is grappling with escalating levels of air, water, and soil pollution.
  • These pollutants lead to severe health issues among humans and animals alike.
  • Noxious emissions exacerbate global warming, contributing to climate change.
  • Global Recognition of Pollution:
  • IQAir’s annual report placed New Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital.
  • India ranks third in the global list of most polluted countries.
  • Such rankings highlight the gravity of the pollution crisis facing the nation.
  • Soil Health Under Threat:
  • Parliamentary committee reports indicate a soil health crisis due to chemical fertiliser overuse.
  • Excessive nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilisers are damaging India’s soil.
  • The prescribed ratio for NPK use is 4:2:1, but actual usage has skewed to 31:4.8:0.1.
  • Health Implications:
  • Poor soil health impacts crop yield and food quality.
  • Chemical runoff from soils contaminates water sources, affecting aquatic life.
  • Soil degradation threatens agricultural sustainability and food security.
  • Inadequate Agricultural Practices:
  • Absence of adequate soil testing facilities exacerbates the problem.
  • Lack of farmer education leads to indiscriminate use of harmful fertilisers.
  • Over-reliance on chemical farming methods undermines organic farming practices.

Water Crisis: A Looming Catastrophe

  • Disturbing Water Management Index:
  • NITI Aayog’s Comprehensive Water Management Index paints a bleak water management picture.
  • It underscores the urgent need for effective water conservation and management strategies.
  • Political Apathy:
  • Environmental concerns are conspicuously absent from major political party manifestos.
  • The neglect of such pressing issues highlights a significant policy gap.
  • Contrast with European Priorities:
  • European political parties, like Germany’s ruling coalition, prioritize environmental protection.
  • Several European nations champion environmental conservation as a core political agenda.
  • Water Scarcity Challenges:
  • Groundwater depletion and pollution threaten water security.
  • Inadequate infrastructure and inefficient water usage exacerbate the crisis.
  • Climate change intensifies droughts and reduces freshwater availability.
  • Need for Holistic Water Policies:
  • Integrated water resource management is crucial for sustainable water use.
  • Emphasis on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge is essential.
  • Public awareness campaigns can foster water conservation practices.

Environmental Concerns: A Political Blind Spot

  • Election Manifestos and Environmental Silence:
  • During the Lok Sabha elections, major political parties largely ignored environmental issues.
  • The absence of environmental policies in manifestos highlights a policy vacuum.
  • Public Push for Change:
  • Public demand and awareness can shift the political discourse towards environmental concerns.
  • The electorate’s influence is pivotal in driving environmental policy changes.
  • Prime Minister’s Global Message:
  • The ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ slogan emphasizes collective responsibility.
  • Such global commitments necessitate domestic policy alignment.
  • Global Environmental Norms:
  • India’s environmental standards should align with global benchmarks.
  • International cooperation and learning can aid in policy formulation and implementation.
  • Public Engagement for Policy Prioritization:
  • Citizen initiatives and activism can propel environmental concerns to the forefront.
  • Grassroots movements and civil society engagement can influence policy decisions.
Initiatives by the Government to Tackle Environmental Crisis in India:

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

·   Launched to improve air quality in India’s 102 most polluted cities.

·   Aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) levels by 20-30% in the next five years.

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):

·   Aims to eliminate open defecation and ensure cleanliness, contributing to improved environmental hygiene.

·   Focuses on solid waste management, sanitation, and waste water treatment.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):

·   Promotes sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

·   Encourages organic farming and the use of natural resources efficiently.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):

·   Formulates strategies and actions to address climate change through a national coordinated approach.

·   Focuses on sectors like solar energy, sustainable habitat, water, and energy efficiency.

Clean Ganga Mission (Namami Gange):

·   Aims to rejuvenate the Ganges river and its tributaries by reducing pollution and conserving biodiversity.

·   Focuses on sewage treatment plants, riverfront development, and public participation.

Key Initiatives to Tackle Environmental Crisis Globally:

Paris Agreement:

·   An international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

·   Involves countries committing to nationally determined contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):

·   Coordinates global environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies.

·   Focuses on issues like climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.

Global Climate Action Summit:

·   Convened to showcase climate action by states, regions, cities, companies, investors, and civil society.

·   Encourages collaborative efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF):

·   Aims to support developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

·   Provides financial resources to assist in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

Montreal Protocol:

·   A global agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.

·   Recognized as one of the most successful environmental treaties, with universal ratification.

Way Forward: Addressing India’s Environmental Challenges

  • Prioritize Environmental Issues in Political Agenda
  • Include robust environmental policies in election manifestos.
  • Establish dedicated parliamentary committees for environmental oversight.
  • Enhance Monitoring and Regulation of Pollution Levels
  • Invest in advanced air quality monitoring systems.
  • Implement stricter regulations on chemical fertiliser usage.
  • Promote Sustainable Water Management Practices
  • Develop comprehensive water conservation strategies.
  • Upgrade water supply and distribution infrastructure.
  • Enhance Public Awareness and Participation
  • Launch nationwide environmental awareness campaigns.
  • Foster public-private partnerships for environmental initiatives.
  • Align with Global Environmental Standards
  • Engage with international organizations for technology transfer and capacity building.
  • Align national environmental policies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Empower Local Communities and Stakeholders
  • Strengthen local governance for environmental management.
  • Incorporate indigenous knowledge and practices in environmental initiatives.

Conclusion:

The escalating environmental crisis demands immediate policy interventions.

Proactive measures can mitigate environmental degradation and its adverse impacts. Indian voters must advocate for prioritizing environmental issues. Public sentiment can drive political will and policy change. Ensuring a sustainable environment is a legacy we must leave for future generations. Responsible stewardship and collective action can shape a greener future for India.

Source:

https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/editorials/2024/Mar/25/india-needs-to-bring-environment-issues-to-political-mainstream

Mains Practice Question:

India’s environmental degradation has reached alarming levels, with rising pollution and inadequate policy focus. Analyze the current environmental crisis in India and discuss the urgent need to integrate environmental concerns into mainstream political discourse.