Don’t grow at cost of environment
We Asked: Do you think many environmentally hazardous activities are being allowed in haste to revive economy? Which would you call more hazardous and why? What would be possible solutions as per you?
Being citizen of a developing nation, I realize the importance of economic growth but in my personal opinion it is not at all commendable to grow at the cost of environment. While the entire world is struggling to rise from the global pandemic, our government has been giving green allowances to a number of projects that are a threat to the environment. Examples range from the exploration of uranium mining in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana to the Dibang Valley in Assam, from a transformation line proposal affecting the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary to the coal mining proposal in an Elephant Reserve in Assam. These hazardous activities are being cleared in a haste to revive the economy, but what about the flora and fauna which is being totally thrown out of picture? These issues may not have immediate threats but will definitely lead to negative consequences. It is indeed important to revive the economy but such haste will do more harm than good. Is it so difficult to understand that human and nature share symbiotic relationship with each other and deterioration of environment clearly points out at our dwindling future? A proper balance of activities where industrialization and economic revival takes place sustainably is the need of the hour, and this needs to be understood by the government too. In my opinion, it would be the best to carry out these activities at places where animals and plants are not densely populated. It will not only help in the conservative of wildlife but will also fulfill the goals of the environment. With proper management, this task is not impossible to achieve. Ankita Pandey, Teacher , St. Xavier’s School
Almost every industry or factory built helps the pollution to grow as some factories near water pollute the water and air with its harmful gases and effluents. One of the famous examples, which I would like to emphasis on is Minamata disease was caused by the release of methylmercury in industrial wastewater. The government and the company did little to prevent pollution. The environmental impact of economic growth includes the increased consumption of non-renewable resources, higher levels of pollution, global warming, and the potential loss of environmental habitats. The pace of global economic growth in the past century has led to a decline in the availability of natural resources such as forests (cut down for agriculture/demand for wood). Economic growth creates long-term waste and toxins, which may have unknown consequences. For example, economic growth has led to increased use of plastic, which when disposed, do not degrade. So, there is an ever-increasing stock of plastic in the seas and environment – which is both unsightly but also damaging to wildlife. “Sooner or later, we will have to recognize that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans” (Evo Morales). However, not all forms of economic growth cause damage to the environment. With rising real incomes, individuals have a greater ability to devote resources to protecting the environment and mitigate the harmful effects of pollution. Also, economic growth caused by improved technology can enable higher output with less pollution. “The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved” (Richard Rogers). Aastha Tiwari, Student
Topic of the month: As use of plastic (masks, gloves etc) has grown manifolds during Covid-19, what steps should be taken by the mass and the administration to prevent plastic pollution? You may send your views in 200 words at treetakemagazine@gmail. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.
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