Nature Must Not be Sacrificed for Development: Delhi Environment Minister

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on the Centre’s proposal to decriminalize environmental laws has said development should not occur at the cost of nature and there is a dire need to strike a balance between the two. The countries which have harmed nature in the name of development are facing the consequences today.

He also stated that “There is a dire need for balanced development. Development should not be at the cost of nature. You are eliminating the effect of laws that protect nature. Tomorrow when nature hits back at you, nothing will save you.”

The Union Environment Ministry has proposed to amend the Indian Forest Act (IFA), 1927, to replace the six-month jail term with a fine of Rs 500 for illegal encroachment into forests and cutting trees. The ministry has also proposed amendments to the Environment (Protection) Act to “eliminate the fear of imprisonment for simple violations” by decriminalizing its existing provisions.

Amendments have been proposed to decriminalize violations of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

On residents protesting the expansion of the Okhla ‘waste-to-energy’ plant here, Mr. Rai said, “The plant was set up to treat the waste. What if the plant itself becomes a threat to the lives of the people living nearby? Need to look at other options available.”

Residents of several ‘Resident Welfare Associations’ had earlier written to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena opposing the proposal for expansion of the plant located between residential areas. Residents have been fighting a legal battle for more than 12 years, demanding the closure or relocation of the plant.

Mr. Rai said despite several directions from the Supreme Court, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Air Quality Management Commission, the problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR persists as the neighbouring states are not serious about implementation. The minister also said that the issue of air pollution in the region could only be resolved through a committee of state environment ministers, which should meet once every month.