Unfazed by criticism from some of his ministerial colleagues for delaying the green nod for projects in ecologically sensitive areas, the Environment Minister has recently stated the obvious that the “single biggest threat" to the forests in the country is the “developmental threat". Given our own experience of losing our forests to cultivation activities and other development programmes, there is an element of truth in what the Union Minister has said. In fact even as we write this editorial, many of our villagers will be cutting down forest areas for cultivating for the coming season. Then there are those who will be clearing lands for plantation under various government run programmes and initiatives.
Given the experience of Nagaland, it is a known fact the large scale development programmes of the State government—whether it is construction of roads, building new infrastructure or promoting agriculture and other horticulture activities—has led to cutting down of large forests or degrading other land resources. So besides Jhum practice, the ongoing development activity is also having a devastating effect on the biodiversity of the state. And this is proven by what we are seeing today in our State—the rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, record losses in biodiversity and species extinction, polluting of our rivers and the dwindling of water sources etc. Nevertheless we should also be realistic that we cannot stop development completely for that will be wishful thinking. What we can however do is to sensitize ourselves of the need to balance between economic development and environmental protection. In particular, we need to create awareness at the level of government so that policies are made keeping in mind the need for proper Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). The need to strictly follow EIA in our development programmes has been highlighted on several occasions in these columns. How far it is being followed is not known though it is doubtful. Read the full report here.
Source: The Morung Express.
