Activists rue failure of Mumbai’s Lok Sabha candidates to address environmental issues
While climate change and environmental concerns find mention in the BJP and Congress manifestos, candidates across all six constituencies have failed to prioritise these topics in their campaign speeches.
2 min read
As Mumbai's air quality deteriorates, government plans to take action (File)The rapid urbanisation of Mumbai has led to increased emissions, congested traffic, and degradation of natural habitats. Even as these environmental issues affect the health and well-being of the city’s residents, many environmental activists rue the fact that these issues have not found resonance in the election campaigns of Lok Sabha candidates from the city.
While climate change and environmental concerns find mention in the BJP and Congress manifestos, candidates across all six constituencies have failed to prioritise these topics in their campaign speeches.
The Congress in its manifesto has dedicated two pages to environmental and water management issues. It touches upon climate change, disaster management, and proposed initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme, coastal zone protection, and water harvesting.
“Although the Congress pledges to establish an Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority tasked with setting and enforcing environmental standards, its effectiveness hinges on endowing it with judicial or semi-judicial powers,” remarked Mumbai-based environmental activist B N Kumar.
The BJP’s manifesto, under the ‘Modi ki Guarantee for Sustainable Bharat’ section, outlines plans to combat air pollution, reduce carbon emissions, establish a green corridor, promote recycling, and expand green credit programs, among other initiatives, spanning three pages.
Debi Goenka, executive of Conservation Action Trust, emphasised, “The proliferation of high-rises in Mumbai has disrupted wind patterns, affecting various environmental facets. Elected candidates must earnestly fulfil their promises to ensure environmental, social, and economic equity.”
The city grapples with water shortages during summers, a consequence of climate change and environmental degradation. While the NCP – Sharadchandra Pawar faction has referenced water conservation in select speeches, no party has addressed the critical need for rainwater harvesting or the requisite infrastructure to support it.
“Politicians have historically overlooked environmental concerns, and it’s unlikely to change. However, voters are increasingly mindful of these issues,” opined Karthik Prajapati, an environmental enthusiast from Borivali.
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