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?
There is a flip side to everything. Vedanta wanted to employ 60,000 odd people in Orissa. We tend to be in the same old world of tribals without moving forward economically. By supporting the tribals are we doing more harm to them? Nothing has improved in these areas in 60 years of independence.
ReplyDeleteThe same Jairam Ramesh gave clearance to Poovalam hydro power project in Andhra that would displace thousands of people and destroy thousands of hectares of forests including some villages of Orissa. Is that Justified? Not a backer of Vedanta Alumina Projects, but I do oppose any politicization of the state of affairs. Vedanta already has a stained image, the Armenian government has an ongoing investigation against them, the Church of England decided to disinvest from the company on ethical grounds, they have numerous cases of human right violations against them. So why did the government give a go-ahead to such a company in the first place? Vedanta has the same image as Carbide, Pepsi, ENRON who takes people for a ride using the money-power and political clout. Is it entirely a political stand-off? So did Ramesh take this step fearing a cabinet reshuffle which is on the cards? He already had a spat with quite a few ministers like kamalnath, praful patel, patnaik, chavan etc.
Guess two wrongs don’t make a right. So, kudos to Ramesh anyway for taking a supposedly wise decision.
Its high time we come out of this bjp/cong/left hangover. The whole issue is not about politics. It’s about the people and the environment.
Good one Ishita.
ReplyDeleteAlso noticed what you have written in your About Me description.
"I believe that man is the nucleus of everything happening around him.He doesn't have the right to complain about things not happening the way they should be, having ensconced himself on an armchair with a cup of coffee"
You have written only about Man, Woman ke baare mein bhi kuch likh do... :P
@Sovik-- You might be right in pointing out the ulterior motive behind Mr Jairam Ramesh's decision.But, whatever be the reason, I believe if we anticipate the near future , this decision will surely help avert a lot of problems especially the ones leading to the rise of naxalism in these areas. Moreover, on the environmental front, we are not in a position to commit any more mistakes,keeping in view the floods which have washed away various parts of the country. The Government might have given the judgement to strengthen their vote banks, but it was surely for good, AT least , the company couldnt dictate terms here with their money power.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to your concern, regarding the progress in these states I do agree loads need to be done, but it should'nt lead to another disaster-- In short we cant take a myopic decision.:)
@ishita--Couldnt agree more. The 'like' button in FB was clicked more because its really nice to see that at least someone is concerned and has the time to ponder over on these matters, apart from living our own damn selfish meaningless lives.
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