Title: Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government's Environmental Policies
New Delhi, Dec 3 (PTI) - Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress parliamentary party, accused the Modi government of demonstrating a "venal streak of cynicism" towards environmental protection since assuming power.
She alleged that the government has effectively issued a "death warrant" for the Aravalli hills.
Gandhi demanded the withdrawal of amendments forced through Parliament regarding the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Forest Conservation Rules, 2022.
She criticized the government's declaration that hills in the Aravalli range below 100 meters are exempt from mining restrictions, viewing it as an invitation for illegal mining operations.
Gandhi emphasized the historical and geographical significance of the Aravalli range, which extends from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana, highlighting its role in preventing desertification, protecting historical forts, and fostering spirituality in northwest India.
She noted that Delhi, situated at the northernmost end of the Aravalli range, is experiencing its annual smog season.
Despite becoming a seasonal norm, the smog poses a significant public health challenge, with estimates attributing up to 34,000 deaths annually to pollution in 10 major cities.
Additionally, a recent Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) report indicated that 13%-15% of tested groundwater samples in Delhi contain uranium levels beyond permissible limits.
Regions in Punjab and Haryana presented even higher uranium contamination levels, raising health concerns for populations consuming the water.
Gandhi criticized the government's long-standing disregard for the environment, citing an inclination toward exploiting natural resources without considering environmental repercussions.
She contended that the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, aimed to facilitate land and project exemptions from forest clearance rules.
Gandhi also pointed out the potential dilution of public hearings and compliance checks under the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification 2020.
Similarly, the 2018 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification relaxed construction norms on coastal areas, jeopardizing ecologically sensitive zones and fishing communities' habitats for commercial use.
The Environment Ministry's tendency to bypass due process and weaken regulations, rather than strengthening them, raised further concerns.
Gandhi highlighted an emerging trend of pitting the environment against local communities, whom she views as its protectors.
She cited claims attributing forest cover loss to the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which the responsible Minister echoed.
In June 2024, a controversial proposal from the National Tiger Conservation Authority suggested displacing 65,000 families from tiger reserves, breaching the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972's principle of voluntary relocation.
Gandhi called for an end to large-scale deforestation in areas like Great Nicobar, Hasdeo Aranya, and Dhirauli, while emphasizing the need to curb illegal mining in the Aravalli range and other eco-sensitive regions, including the Western Ghats and the Himalayan belt.
She urged a policy review of recent laws and amendments that she sees as harmful to the environment.
Gandhi demanded the Modi government retract amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Forest Conservation Rules, 2022, which she contended negatively impact Adivasi communities and permit unwarranted forest clearances.
Lastly, she criticized the practice of granting post-facto environmental clearances to corporations that violate regulations, opposing it as a counterproductive policy trend.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
