Question
Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and preservation of the environment.’ Comment.
Step 1: Understanding the Question
Let’s break this question down:
1. Policy Contradictions: This refers to conflicts between policies in different sectors (e.g., industry vs. environment, urbanization vs. forests).
2. Competing Sectors/Stakeholders: Groups like industries, farmers, environmental activists, and governments often have conflicting interests.
3. Inadequate Protection of the Environment: The result of these contradictions is poor environmental conservation.
The question asks you to comment—which means analyze the issue, give examples, and provide your viewpoint.
Step 2: Structure the Answer
We will structure it in the following way:
1. Introduction – Define the issue briefly and state why it is relevant.
2. Body – Discuss examples of policy contradictions and their impacts on the environment.
3. Conclusion – Provide a way forward to address these contradictions.
Step 3: Writing the Answer
Introduction:
Start by stating the problem:
“In the quest for economic development, various sectors and stakeholders often find themselves at odds over policies. For instance, industrial expansion may require deforestation, but this conflicts with the need to preserve ecosystems. These contradictions have led to poor environmental protection, as evidenced by increasing deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss in India.”
Body:
1. Examples of Policy Contradictions in India:
• Industrial Growth vs. Forest Conservation:
• Policies encouraging industrial growth, like the ease of environmental clearances under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, often conflict with forest conservation laws such as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
• Example: Mining projects in biodiversity hotspots (e.g., coal mining in Hasdeo Arand forests in Chhattisgarh).
• Agriculture vs. Water Conservation:
• Subsidies for water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane conflict with water conservation efforts, especially in drought-prone areas like Maharashtra.
• Result: Overexploitation of groundwater and shrinking water tables.
• Urbanization vs. Wetland Preservation:
• Real estate projects and infrastructure development often encroach on wetlands, which are vital for flood control and biodiversity.
• Example: Shrinking of wetlands in urban centers like Bengaluru and Chennai.
• Renewable Energy vs. Biodiversity:
• Large-scale solar and wind projects, while promoting clean energy, often lead to habitat destruction.
• Example: Wind farms in Rajasthan disrupting habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
2. Impacts of These Contradictions on the Environment:
• Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity: Conflicts between industrial projects and forest conservation lead to deforestation, threatening wildlife and ecosystems.
• Water Scarcity: Contradictory agricultural policies lead to water crises and degradation of natural water bodies.
• Pollution: Industries and urban centers emit pollutants, while weak enforcement of environmental laws exacerbates the problem.
• Climate Change: Unchecked resource exploitation accelerates climate change impacts like rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
3. Addressing Policy Contradictions:
• Integrated Policy Framework: Align economic, industrial, and environmental policies to promote sustainable development.
• Example: National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) aims to balance energy efficiency with environmental goals.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage industries, farmers, local communities, and governments in policy-making to address competing interests.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Strengthen the EIA process to ensure sustainable project implementation.
• Incentivizing Sustainable Practices: Provide subsidies and tax breaks for eco-friendly industries and sustainable agricultural practices.