Hyderabad: Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, over 70 environment, climate action, youth, forest, and natural ecosystem groups from diverse regions have come together to issue a collective appeal to political parties to ensure access to clean air and water security amidst the looming threats of climate change and pollution.
Emphasizing the critical need to safeguard India's environmental integrity and democratic principles, these groups urge voters to prioritize the future of democracy, particularly for the youth, and ensure access to clean air and water security amidst the looming threats of climate change and pollution.
Environmental Challenges Facing India
“India finds itself at the bottom of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) of 2022, ranking below 180 countries. This dire situation is characterized by deteriorating air quality, escalating greenhouse gas emissions, groundwater depletion, and the proliferation of polluted rivers and water bodies. Despite being one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and climate change, India has witnessed the weakening of crucial environmental laws in recent years, allowing for the exploitation of its natural resources for infrastructural and industrial projects” said a representative of the coalition.
Water Crisis and Pollution
The nation grapples with a severe water crisis, with a staggering 70% of groundwater aquifers depleted, and the rate of recharge falling below 10%.
India's environmental woes are further exacerbated by its status as the third-most polluted country globally, as reported by the Swiss air quality monitoring body, IQAir. Shockingly, out of the 50 most polluted cities worldwide, 42 are located within India's borders.
Citizens' Demands for Change
In response to these pressing environmental challenges, the coalition of groups has outlined a set of demands aimed at fostering environmental protection and democratic governance.
These demands include revising the definition of 'development' to prioritize environmental sustainability, protecting ecosystems and community livelihoods, and ensuring the inclusion of civil society in decision-making processes.
Additionally, the coalition calls for the reversal of dilutions in environmental and forest acts, the notification of all wetlands under the Wetland Rules 2010, and the revival of dried-up rivers, lakes, and water bodies across India.
