A new EIA draft has been drafted that does not take into account any socio-economic considerations regarding the pollution in the country. Citizens have come across fighting against thus raising objections a movement.

The recent proposed draft that was issued by MoEFCC tends to go against the protection of biodiversity and against the conventions that were done in Paris Climate Accord. There has been a lot of oppositions regarding the draft that was proposed. It has resulted in a significant increase in the emissions of GHG emissions and air pollutants released through the industries. ‘Build India Back Better’ was an alliance that the citizens’ have come together and formed. This was done so that the government withdraws their draft. With the given draft farmers, Adivasis are going to be in a huge loss.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE DRAFT?

With the increasing number of climate attacks such as the recent locust attacks, cyclones and various other gas leaks there is a huge disturbance in the eco-system that has brought about an ecological crisis in the country. The draft has proposed new rules and regulations that are completely flawed. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the time when efforts shall be brought forward by India to phase out fossil fuels, however the government is continuously relaxing norms and now the Union Government has introduced an “Unleashing Coal” campaign that has initiated the auctioning of more than 50 new coal blocks to private markets. This is being carried out in states that have coals rich in heritage such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, on the projects that are ongoing and on which work is being carried out the rules have now been relaxed by the government.

 

With the current EIA 2020 draft, there is a huge risk that is associated with the waterlines such as oceans, marine life and also a risk to the flora and fauna of the marine species. The notification includes opening up of these coasts that are fragile in nature which can result in rising sea levels which can in turn exploit the industries and ports around it. There has been a report that has arrived from Ministry of Earth Sciences that marks out climate change affecting India and hence something has to be done of this draft.

KEY POINTS OF THE DRAFT

 

1. The draft specifies that all the industries that have illegally come up and not paid any environment related clearances can simply clear it by paying meagre fines and that there won’t be any obviation effect.

 

2. The draft has not talked about or paid any heed to public consultation that is required for various projects, the projects concerned with defence and security and all other offshore projects.

 

3. The draft further exempts public hearing that has occurred for more than 35 polluting chemical industries that includes manufacturing of acids, paints, dyes, fertilisers and other pharmaceuticals.

 

4. Prior to the draft, industries were required to give the compliance report half-yearly, while now it is on annual basis. While the report is now furnished on an annual basis it gives the industrialists an opportunity to not show any sort of socio-environmental issues that are arising in the projects due to their industries.

 

5. In case of non-compliance to any rule instead of closure or suspension now there just needs to be a fine that is required to be paid.

 

6. The current draft increases the risk of social, health and environmental consequences that are irreversible in nature and it in turn increases the validity of environmental clearances to 50 years for mining projects as against 30 years in the present law and against 10 years for river valley projects i.e. 15 years.

 

7. The draft further proposes a reduction for time period from 30 days to 20 days for public to submit their responses during a public hearing for an application seeking environmental clearance.

CONCLUSION

The current draft lacks understanding of the negative affects activities can have on the environment of the country. Climate change is a very important issue that has often been ignored but really needs to be addressed in the country. The draft is a vague and a dangerous response to the on going crisis in the country.

“I am not sure what message the Government is trying to send us via this new shoddy draft, which will result in a huge loss of biodiversity, damage ecosystems and, aggravating human wildlife conflict and pushing our wildlife towards extinction…”

These are the words of Dr. Meher Abadian, a veterinarian in the country who is scared of the loss that can happen in the country. In a democratic country like India it is necessary to raise objections so that the government is aware of their activities. We need to come together and fight this for a better environment in the future.

BY:

ANUBHUTI BHUSARI

( 3rd year learner at Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA)