FOR AN ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS The Forest Calotes looks at an uncertain future, not sure as to whether its habitat will remain intact or get destroyed for some developmental project. The country is witnessing a mega democratic process with the involvement of 81 crores of voters and many thousands of candidates for the 2014 General Elections for the Lok Sabha and certain elections to the State Assemblies. It is indeed a wonder that such a massive exercise gets operated by our constitutional institution i.e. Election Commission of India in most smooth manner which has earned much appreciation from world over. We are the largest democracy and we cherish the ideals enshrined in our Constitution. Our forefathers had visualized for many years ahead and have given us a document which lays down the relation between the State and its Citizens. The interest of our Citizens is protected with utmost dedication and it is the pillars i.e. Parliament, Press, Judiciary and Executive which ensures that there should be no measure by which this democracy is infringed upon in any manner. Vide the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, s. 10 (w.e.f.3-1-1977) Article 48A was inserted which lays down that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country. However in our pursuit of development there have been numerous occasions when the interests of environment and wildlife have been marginalized, with natural habitats and forested areas destroyed. The reasons for such clearances including Mining, Hydel Projects, Thermal Projects, Railways, Transmission Lines, etc. which in a very general understanding will appear for the benefit of citizens. Apart from these reasons Over-exploitation by communities residing in the vicinity of forests for subsistence or economic use (such as collection of fuelwood, fodder, non-timber forest produce), etc., Over-grazing by livestock, Unregulated urbanization and increased consumption needs of urban populations, Conversion of forest land for agricultural purposes (including encroachments), Forest Fires, etc. are many reasons due to which forests in India are being lost very quickly. The natural habitats including forests are rich repositories of biodiversity and one of major effect is loss of biodiversity. The Indian subcontinent has been identified as one of the top 12 hotspots of biodiversity in the world. However, conservative estimates suggest that at least 10 per cent of Indias recorded wild flora and 20 per cent of its mammals are on the threatened list. Our Political Parties are the wheels for achieving the high ideals of democracy, and it is on them to provide for an India which enjoys ecologically sound health and wherein the rich biodiversity of all natural forms get their rightful place to live on Mother Earth. Wild Orissa submits to all Political Parties to reflect the issues of sound ecological health and wildlife and nature conservation in their Manifestos. It is also submitted that candidates contesting elections need to apprise the voters about the need for environmental protection and sustainable development where loss of biodiversity is to be minimized. Note:- Necessary suggestions have been communicated to major Political Parties in this by Wild Orissa. (Photograph by Akash Ranjan Rath in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha)
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:36:08 +0000
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