Q. What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.

Model Answer:

Environmental Pressure Groups in India

Environmental pressure groups are organized voluntary associations that seek to influence government policies and societal practices concerning environmental issues without seeking political power themselves. In India’s diverse ecological landscape, these non-state actors have emerged as crucial catalysts for environmental governance and sustainable development.

Role in Raising Awareness:

Environmental pressure groups have effectively mobilized public consciousness through multiple strategies:

• Grassroots Mobilization: Historic movements like Chipko Movement (hugging trees), Appiko Movement (Karnataka’s forest protection), and recent campaigns like Fridays for Future India have successfully engaged local communities and youth in environmental discourse.

• Media and Research Dissemination: Organizations like Centre for Science and Environment publish accessible reports on air pollution and water contamination, transforming complex scientific data into public knowledge. Social media campaigns amplify their reach exponentially.

• Highlighting Development Costs: Narmada Bachao Andolan brought international attention to displacement issues and ecological damage from large dams, fundamentally changing the discourse on development projects.

Influencing Policies:

These groups employ sophisticated strategies to shape environmental legislation:

• Legislative Advocacy: Active participation in policy consultations contributed to formulating the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and strengthening environmental impact assessment procedures.

• Judicial Intervention: M.C. Mehta’s PILs resulted in landmark judgments including CNG mandate (Delhi transport) and Ganga pollution control. The Save Silent Valley Movement prevented hydroelectric project construction, creating Silent Valley National Park.

• Project Opposition: Recent movements like Save Aarey (Mumbai’s green space) have successfully challenged unsustainable infrastructure projects through sustained advocacy.

Advocating for Environmental Protection:

• Direct Conservation Action: Greenpeace India campaigns against coal mining, while Wildlife Protection Society combats poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

• Sustainable Alternatives: Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad promotes eco-friendly development models, demonstrating viable alternatives to destructive practices.

• Corporate Accountability: Groups monitor industrial compliance, report violations, and advocate for stricter enforcement mechanisms.

Conclusion: Environmental pressure groups strengthen India’s democracy by bridging citizens and government, ensuring sustainable development through persistent advocacy and accountability.