Hello friends, We all know how much problems like rising temperatures, unseasonal rains, drought and floods are affecting our lives. But the question arises whether our governments and institutions are working effectively on this? Recently, the Supreme Court has expressed concern over this and has given many strict instructions. Let us know the whole story of this decision.
Why did the Supreme Court express concern?
While hearing the cases related to the environment, the Supreme Court found that different ministries and institutions are working in their own way, but due to lack of coordination, efforts to fight climate change are getting weakened. The court clearly said that ‘institutional flaws’ are hindering taking concrete steps against climate change and this is also leading to a lack of accountability. The court says that a review of the current laws is necessary. Old laws like the Environment Protection Act, of 1986 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, of 1981 should be updated in terms of climate change so that strict and effective rules can be implemented to save the environment.
Which ministries were sent notices?
The Supreme Court has sent notices to eight central ministries in this matter and sought answers. These ministries include:
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Ministry of Power
- Ministry of Urban Development
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Ministry of Textiles
- Department of Science and Technology
- Ministry of Mines
The court said that instead of working separately, these ministries should unite and make effective policies to prevent climate change.
The danger caused by climate change
The Supreme Court also said that climate change is not only an environmental issue, but it is also a big threat to social and economic stability. Rising temperatures, constantly changing weather and unseasonal disasters are not only damaging our crops and water sources but also putting people’s livelihoods at risk. This crisis becomes even more serious in developing countries like India, where crores of people depend on agriculture and other climate-dependent industries. Therefore, climate change cannot be ignored as just an environmental problem, but it is also a matter of social justice and economic stability.
Need to improve government policies
The Supreme Court also acknowledged that schemes like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the National Clean Air Program already exist in India, but there is a lack of effective implementation. For this, it is necessary that:
- Environmental laws should be amended so that challenges related to climate change can be directly included in the law.
- Government agencies should be given adequate budgets and resources so that they can work effectively.
- All ministries should work in coordination with each other so that concrete steps can be taken towards climate protection.
Case background: Who is Ridhima Pandey?
The case started in 2017, when a child activist named Ridhima Pandey, from Uttarakhand, filed a petition to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). She accused the government of not taking enough steps to prevent environmental damage. However, the NGT rejected her petition, after which she approached the Supreme Court in 2019. Her petition raised several important issues, such as:
- The impact of rising carbon emissions in India
- Demand for setting a ‘carbon budget’ to reduce greenhouse gases
- Need to further strengthen Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Determining government accountability because of the long-term effects of climate change
What happens next?
The Supreme Court has appointed senior lawyers as amicus curiae (special advisors) in this case, who will review the legal framework on this. The next hearing is scheduled for March 28, in which the government will be asked to answer what steps it is taking on this issue. Now it remains to be seen whether the government will take this matter seriously and make a concrete policy against climate change or will it remain just another legal battle.
Friends, climate change is a reality that we cannot ignore. It is not just a question of the environment but also of our lives, health, economy and future generations. What the Supreme Court has said is not just a legal comment but also a warning that if we do not wake up today, it will be too late tomorrow. We should demand accountability from the government and at the same time contribute to climate protection ourselves like saving electricity, using less plastic, planting trees and spreading awareness. Because if we do not take care of the environment, it will also stop taking care of us.
Disclaimer: This article is written to give information and the information given in it is based on various news sources. Readers are requested to confirm from the concerned sources before taking any official decision.
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