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I have a lot of messages from people, officers, citizens and students saying they hope the world will remain unpolluted after the lockdown is over. The rivers are the gleaming, air pollution is cleanest in 20 yrs.
This won't remain. Here are the reasons why. (thread)
This won't remain. Here are the reasons why. (thread)
The new 2020 Draft for EIAs introduces post-facto project clearance. This means that projects which broke the law (and didn't apply for clearance) can get away with fines. Norms have also been eased for mining, roads, and dredging in rivers and seas. +
To provide perspective on how such projects harm the environment: waterways carry barges with toxic coal ash. 3 barges capsized this year. For the waterways, we dredged the riverbed, placed boats full of toxic stuff on them. Who is considering impact? https://www.impactnews.in/two-barges-carrying-flyash-to-bangladesh-capsize-in-hoogly-river-raises-concerns-about-impact-on-river-ecology/
While science has proven stressing wild animals (through deforestation) makes them shed viruses, we are going ahead with massive deforestation projects. 2 lakh + trees will be cut for the Hubli-Ankola railway project DESPITE alternatives existing. + https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/mla-quits-wildlife-board-after-it-approves-hubballi-ankola-railway-line/articleshow/74756584.cms
More loss of forests: decks have been cleared for the Etalin project - a dam in Dibang which will destroy 2.7 LAKH trees in Arunachal Pradesh, part of a global biodiversity hotspot. We are still finding new species from this state, like the Salazar viper https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/2-7-lakh-trees-to-be-felled-for-hydropower-project-in-arunachal-s-dibang-valley/story-i0GVuHt8nHF4JbxeM4birM.html
Many of these clearances came through video conferencing. Though I'd dearly like to know if we can have some emergency video conference decisions to plan on how NOT to destroy the environment, when the entire world is suffering. +
So while it is nice to wish for clean air, clean rivers, flourishing wildlife, the fact is this can only happen if we take decisions for this, rather than doing the easiest thing: cutting forests, sinking coal ash in Ganga.
Alternatives need tech + thought. They are possible.
Alternatives need tech + thought. They are possible.
In this age, do we need to cut 2 lakh trees to make railway lines, or shall we make a bypass? In this age, does a huge dam which will destroy 2. 7 lakh trees make sense when solar is so cheap and accessible?
If Corona showed us one thing, it is that we don't own the earth alone.
If Corona showed us one thing, it is that we don't own the earth alone.
