Congress hits out at BJP as Supreme Court halts controversial environmental policies

Supreme Court halts controversial environmental policies: In a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh commended the Supreme Court for putting a stop to yet another series of controversial and environmentally damaging schemes proposed by the Modi government.

The Background: Environmental Degradation Under BJP's Watch

Ramesh's criticism comes in the wake of the electoral bonds scandal, which rocked the political landscape, exposing corruption within the BJP ranks. However, his recent remarks focus on the Modi government's alleged attempts to overhaul India's environmental policies to benefit its corporate allies at the expense of the nation's forests and ecosystem.

Modi Government's Agenda: Environmental Deregulation

The Prime Minister's agenda, according to Ramesh, aimed to streamline processes for forest land acquisition and environmental clearances, facilitating unchecked exploitation of natural resources for the benefit of corporate cronies. This agenda manifested in two significant policy changes initiated by the Modi government.

First, in 2017: Legalizing Environmental Violations

In 2017, the government amended rules to legalize projects that had flouted forest clearance regulations. This move, criticized for its brazen disregard for environmental norms, enabled over 100 projects, including coal mines, factories, and cement plants, to commence operations despite violating environmental clearances.

Second, in 2023: Weakening Forest Conservation Laws

In a further blow to environmental conservation efforts, the Modi government introduced the Forest Conservation Amendment in 2023. This amendment sought to dilute protections for approximately 2 lakh square km of forest land, directly contravening a landmark 1996 Supreme Court judgement. The proposed amendment threatened to pave the way for the diversion of "deemed forests" and forests in the North East region.

Supreme Court's Intervention: A Welcome Reprieve

The Supreme Court's timely intervention provided a glimmer of hope. The apex court stayed both contentious moves by the Modi government, halting the illegal permissions granted to projects that violated environmental clearances. Additionally, the court reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the dictionary definition of a forest, as outlined in its 1996 ruling.

Congress Party's Support for Environmental Protection

In response to the Supreme Court's rulings, the Congress Party applauded the judiciary's stance and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding India's forests and environment. Jairam Ramesh pledged that the Congress, upon assuming power, will prioritize environmental conservation and ensure responsible governance to protect India's natural heritage.

Upholding Environmental Integrity Amidst Political Turmoil

As the Modi government faces scrutiny for its questionable policies, the Supreme Court's interventions serve as a beacon of hope for environmental activists and conscientious citizens. With the Congress Party's unwavering support for environmental protection, there is renewed optimism for the preservation of India's rich biodiversity and ecological balance.