Amidst all the controversy about the clauses 17(b) of the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill, and the intent of the Central Government behind using ‘Supplier ‘s intent’ in the clause, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh in what must be regarded a bold and commendable act , rejected the application of the Vedanta Resources to start bauxite mining in the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa. The way the Saxena Committee appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests , went around examining and assessing the impact the mining activity could have on the environment and the life of the tribal people deserves commendation, especially in an era where industrial lobbyists design new laws to serve their business needs. In rejecting the application ,the Ministry has justly rated saving the forests and the livelihood of the people above the bauxite that could have fed the Vedanta aluminum refinery for a mere period of four years. Moreover, this judgment was taken in a scenario where the State Government was bent upon getting the application cleared because of its own vested interests in the venture. This stands as an example where in the Forest Conversation Act and the Environment Protection Act were actually implemented contradicting the beliefs of all those who vehemently complain that the recent amendments and acts being passed are an additional overhead, as they hardly serve any purpose staying unimplemented . The report has also revealed illegal mining activities being carried out by the group in Jharkhand which lacked valid Environmental Clearance.
In saving the 7 sq Km area of forest lands in the Niyamgiri hills, the Centre has definitely taken a long sighted effort which would go a long way in averting a lot many grave problems like massive unemployment, growing naxalism which have already plagued the states of Orissa, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh, apart from protecting the environment. Alas, some honest and genuine efforts are being taken in the interests of the common people rather than catering to the selfish interests of the industrial lobbyists. This decision has definitely brought under scrutiny the various illegal mining activities being carried out at several places. Had the state governments, been honest and just towards assessing the impact of such activities before allowing them to actuate, instead of abetting the crime ,a lot many problems which have bogged down our nation currently, could have been avoided ,as the very old adage goes…. ‘Prevention is always better than cure’.
This should force the Centre to reconsider the clauses of the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill in the interest of the nation and its people rather than concede to the demands of the Suppliers who see a potential market in India. It should give out a clear message to all those to have their interests in getting the Bill passed, that India is not at the realms of foreign suppliers who do not even have the sense of responsibility or dependability to own up their work. Moreover, how can we trust someone who doesn’t have enough trust on himself and appears to be an escapist right from the beginning? How can the Centre even take chances after the disaster the Bhopal Gas tragedy brought about in India? Are there no lessons to be learnt from the past?
