Time for a Green Agenda

KOCHI: The unprecedented heat prevailing in the state for the past two months has brought the issue of ecology again in the mainstream of discussions in Kerala. The reckless destruction of wetlands and paddy fields, encroachment of ecologically sensitive high ranges, mounting piles of solid wastes and many other ills point towards the ecological disaster facing the state, says green activists.

The unbearable summer, much ahead of the normal summer months of April and May in the state, is an indication of the ill-effects of global warming caused by the human beings. Kerala Paristhithi Aikyavedi, an apex body of green activist groups, has brought forward a Green Development Agenda (GDA) for the consideration of the mainstream political parties ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

The implementation of the GDA covering 55 points will make the “Kerala the first carbon neutral state in India” says the Vedi. The Vedi also insists that adoption of the same will enable the state to be the “first in the country following sustainable development practices”.

Although majority of the people in the state are in support of the GDA the vested interests having dominant interest in politics, bureaucracy and business are stumbling blocks to the adoption of such an agenda by the ruling elite in the state. Still majority of the people told DC that it is high time that for the political parties in the state to put forward a GDA in a transparent manner.

Apart from the familiar platitudes the political class in the state is not having any long term policy or vision about the ecological problems confronting the state, they felt. Noted writer and commentator M. N. Karassery is of the firm view that it is high time for political parties to incorporate a green agenda.

“The season nature has given us a warning as the temperature shoot up to 40 degree Celsius coinciding with the elections. So far, we are promoting a development strategy at the cost of nature. The time has come to take a relook at the policies followed so far. It is high that politics in the state should turn its attention to issues regarding protection of rivers, paddy fields and other eco-systems” he said.

S.N. Reghuchandran Nair, vice-president Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India, however feels that the “demand for green manifesto is nothing short of a publicity stunt by  pseudo green activists”.

Specific issues that find mention in green manifesto are attempts to weaken individual developmental projects, Mr. Nair said. “For example, environmental activists oppose road widening projects to save trees but they don’t give us a viable alternatives plan to help prevent accidents and traffic jams. They do not fight to prevent the use of flex boards for election, but they oppose specific development projects such as ports using same flex boards. This shows that they just craving for attention”, he added. He however said that “we all should focus on growing our children as environmentally sensitive citizens and do our bit to save nature without slowing down progress”.

K. M. Poovu Secretary of the Vembanad Kayal Samprakshana Samithy, says political parties must sincerely take up GDA. The Vembanad Lake, spanning across 2033 sq km, one of the largest lakes in the country, is choked with plastic materials. It is estimated that 7500 ton of fish wealth was depleting every year in the lake due to plastic wastes, he said.

“SFI was always in the forefront when it comes to protection of natural resources and encouraging organic farming. We are sure that the CPM will include the same in its election manifesto. Already the Left parties are taking the initiative for increasing productivity of the natural resources across all districts”, said M Vijin SFI state secretary. “We are also of the view that all parties should include green agenda a part of their election manifesto as protection of natural resources is vital for existence of the mankind in the long run”, he added.

Sherin Varghese, Youth Congress State Secretary, says that ecological wisdom cannot be ignored while taking up development projects. However, forcefully enforcing the same is not advisable, he added. Stressing the importance of long term planning for sustainable development model Mr. Vargheese said lack of respect for green agenda will certainly pose a threat to the very existence of the state, he said. “Somalia was once as resourceful as Kerala but the unbridled exploitation of natural resources is one of the reasons for its current situation”, he said.

(With inputs from Krishna Kumar, Jose Kurian and Rakesh Nair)