No change in India's political perception regarding development at the cost of environmental degradation

By Shankar Sharma*

In June 2024, the UN Secretary General issued a stark warning on the occasion of World Environment Day, stating, “...the battle to secure the planet's future will be won or lost in the next 18 months.” This proclamation highlights the pressing need for immediate action as the global scientific community signals a critical juncture in addressing environmental degradation, underscored by an ongoing climate emergency.

The situation demands a closer examination of our national policies and practices regarding environmental protection. A recent report predicting that New Delhi could see temperature increases of 4.5 degrees Celsius in the next 60 years serves as a sobering reminder of the catastrophic climate impacts we could face unless we implement effective measures now. Regrettably, it appears that successive governments over the past two to three decades have contributed to an alarming deterioration of our environment.

A brief review of the energy sector reveals a trend of policies that could lead to detrimental consequences for future generations. Reports suggest that the Economic Survey forecasts coal will continue to be the backbone of our country's energy system for the next two decades, contrary to the global consensus which advocates for peak greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. New coal mines and power plants are being developed despite significant social and environmental costs.

Further complicating this issue are plans for a large number of nuclear power plants, with Tata Steel reportedly exploring the feasibility of constructing around 200 small modular reactors (SMRs). Unfortunately, there has been little engagement from authorities to address the serious concerns raised by civil society regarding the environmental and social toll of such projects.

The situation is equally troubling regarding hydroelectric power, which is often promoted as a green alternative. The current capacity for ‘on-river pumped storage’ in India stands at 103 GW, with widespread proposals for new dams that raise questions about their necessity and feasibility, as these projects offer much lower energy density compared to fossil fuels.

The relentless exploitation of natural resources is projected to lead to climate catastrophe well before our country’s target for net zero emissions by 2070. Despite repeated warnings from global scientific institutions, such as the UNEP, WHO, and IPCC, biodiversity in India continues to face mounting threats. Forest and tree cover has dwindled to approximately 21% of the total land area, falling short of the national policy target of 33%.

Responsibility now lies with civil society to advocate for a comprehensive review of our development model

Statements from ecological scientists emphasize the connection between biodiversity loss and critical societal issues like poverty, food security, and human health. The deterioration of natural ecosystems jeopardizes our long-term survival and prosperity. If there is no change in political perception regarding development at the cost of environmental degradation, further reductions in protected areas will only exacerbate community disasters, emphasizing the urgent need to reassess our relationship with natural resources.

With the government seemingly disengaged from a sustainable approach, the responsibility now lies with civil society to advocate for a comprehensive review of our development model, prioritizing the welfare of our communities alongside environmental sustainability. Various international initiatives showcase potential pathways for a green and sustainable energy transition.

For instance, regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are emerging leaders in battery energy storage solutions, suggesting a promising direction for India to optimize its renewable energy resources without relying heavily on traditional coal and pumped storage plants. In conclusion, it is imperative that we address our consumption and energy demands at a global level to ensure the survival and welfare of our communities.

Engaging with leaders and the broader public on this agenda is crucial. We must explore actionable steps both individually and collectively to steer our country toward a sustainable future.

---

*Power & Climate Policy Analyst, Karnataka

Comments

Campaign group urges INDIA alliance to release Jharkhand manifesto to counter BJP’s 'divisive' agenda

By Our Representative The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan, an advocacy group, has issued a press release urging the INDIA alliance to release a Jharkhand-specific manifesto to counter the BJP’s "divisive" electoral agenda. With just two weeks remaining before the assembly elections, the INDIA coalition has yet to announce its plans and priorities for the state. Meanwhile, the BJP's campaign, according to the press release, is centered around communalism, divisiveness, and distraction from Jharkhand's core issues.

Israel's 'war crime': 18,000 children died not just from bomb explosions but also starvation

By Sandeep Pandey* Last year 6 years old Madiha was a guest during Diwali at our home in Lucknow. Listening to the sound of fire crackers bursting outside she remarked, ‘It appears as if we’re in Gaza.’ She has probably no idea of the extent of damage and loss of life that has taken place in Palestine but can relate to sound of crackers as bombs exploding over Gaza.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Bid to isolate India globally 'to drive it even closer' to long-time ally, Russia

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The relationship between India and Canada has plunged to unprecedented lows, with both governments seemingly exploiting the situation for their domestic political gains. Canada has long been home to several anti-India elements, with little action taken against them. When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, some of these secessionist groups openly celebrated and issued further threats, particularly from Canada and Britain. While Britain eventually acted to contain such elements in the interest of maintaining ties with India, Canada did not. Over the years, India has sought the extradition of 23 criminals residing in Canada, but the Canadian government has mostly dismissed these requests, claiming these individuals have no criminal records in their country.

Will Left victory in Sri Lanka deliver economic sovereignty plan, go beyond 'tired' IMF agenda?

By Atul Chandra, Vijay Prashad* On September 22, 2024, the Sri Lankan election authority announced that Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election. Dissanayake, who has been the leader of the left-wing JVP since 2014, defeated 37 other candidates, including the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP) and his closest challenger Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad* The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual.

How pseudo-liberals 'went wrong' in judging DY Chandrachud as Chief Justice India

By Shamsul Islam* DY Chandrachud took charge as Chief Justice of the Indian Supreme Court (SC) on November 09, 2022. On this occasion many of the pseudo-liberals who claimed to be defenders of the democratic-secular polity of India manifested great happiness. They declared that the time of SC being an appendage of the RSS-BJP government headed by PM Modi was over as Justice Chandrachud was a liberal judge committed to the democratic-secular polity of India.

In the pantheon of Indian cricket, VVS Laxman as symbol of elegance, resilience, unselfish brilliance

By Harsh Thakor* On November 1st, legendary Indian cricketer VVS Laxman celebrates his 50th birthday. Known for his elegance, Laxman turned impossible matches on their heads with a style that captivated cricket fans worldwide. He wielded his bat like an artist’s brush, finding gaps on the field with surgical precision, creating innings as meticulously as a sculptor carves a masterpiece. Born in Hyderabad, Laxman inherited the stylistic lineage of local icons ML Jaisimha and Mohammad Azharuddin, blending it with a grace reminiscent of Gundappa Viswanath.

Search This Blog