BIODIVERSE NORTHEAST INDIA
1. Context
The Meghalaya High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the cleanliness of the Umiam Lake. The court in its observation of the Meghalaya ‘Waterbodies (Preservation and Conservation) Guidelines, 2023, said that they did not deal with the “most serious aspect of buildings and construction mushrooming around waterbodies”.
2. Biodiversity in Northeast India:
- Unique Ecosystem: Northeast India boasts remarkable biodiversity due to its varied topography and climate.
- Flora and Fauna Richness: Known for diverse plant species, rare animals, and endemic species.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Garo-Khasi-Jaintia hills and Brahmaputra valley are notable biodiversity hotspots.
- Endangered Species: Houses many endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and Hoolock gibbons.
- Cultural Significance: Biodiversity is deeply ingrained in local cultures and traditional practices.
3. Conservation Challenges:
- Deforestation: Rapid deforestation leads to habitat loss.
- Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure projects fragment habitats, affecting wildlife movement.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade: Threatens unique species.
- Climate Change: Poses additional risks to fragile ecosystems.
- Lack of Awareness: Limited awareness exacerbates conservation challenges.
4. Ministry's Assessment:
- North East Rural Livelihood Project: Ministry of Development of the North-eastern Region assessed the region.
- Ecologically Fragile: Northeast India is ecologically vulnerable and rich in biodiversity.
- Climate Change: Highly susceptible to climatic changes.
- Transboundary Basins: Situated in transboundary river basins.
- Threats to Flora and Fauna: Deforestation, mining, quarrying, and shifting cultivation endanger flora and fauna.
5. Environmental Laws and Enforcement in India:
- Legal Framework Development: India established numerous environmental laws in the 1980s.
- Environmental Offences: Offenses linked to the environment addressed under IPC Sections 268-290.
- Public Nuisance Concept: Covers pollution of land, air, and water.
- Autonomy of District Councils: Sixth Schedule grants autonomy to District Councils, limiting state authority in certain matters, including land use.
- Challenges with Regulation: Some District Councils lack regulations for land preservation, especially near water bodies.
6. Judicial Intervention and Environmental Litigation:
- Public Interest Litigations (PILs): PILs and judicial activism under Constitution Articles 32 and 226 led to environmental litigation surge.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): Imposed significant fines on state governments for environmental violations.
- Example Cases: Meghalaya was fined 100 crore for illegal mining in 2019; Manipur was fined 3200 crore for improper waste management in 2022.
- Guidelines and Penalties: State judicial and quasi-judicial bodies enforce strict guidelines and impose heavy fines, safeguarding fragile ecosystems.
7. Negative List in NEIDS 2017:
- Promoting Compliance: North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017, introduced a 'Negative List.'
- Criteria for Incentives: Entities not adhering to environmental standards, lacking clearances, or pollution board consent won't receive incentives under NEIDS.
- Incentivizing Responsible Practices: Aims to align industrial growth with environmental responsibility.
8. Holistic 'Act Fast for Northeast' Policy:
- Broad Scope: Suggests extending the 'Act Fast for Northeast' policy beyond trade and commerce.
- Incorporating Environment: Calls for inclusion of environment and ecology preservation in the policy.
- Balancing Growth and Ecology: Emphasizes that aiming for a 10 trillion-dollar economy must not compromise environmental protection.
9. North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS):
- Objective: NEIDS is a government scheme aimed at promoting industrial development in the North Eastern states of India.
- Launch: Introduced in 2017 to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and attract investments in the region.
Key Features:
- Incentives for Industries: Provides various financial incentives to industries setting up in the North Eastern states.
- Focus on Employment: Aims to create sustainable employment opportunities for the local population.
- Negative List: Introduces a 'Negative List' concept, excluding entities not meeting environmental standards, clearances, or pollution board consent from incentives.
- Fiscal Benefits: Offers tax breaks, capital investment subsidies, and credit-linked capital investment support.
- Eligibility: Open to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, services, and trade.
10. About Umiam Lake
Location: Situated in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, India.
Formation: Created by damming the Umiam River to generate hydroelectric power.
Purpose: Primarily serves as a reservoir for the Umiam Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Scenic Beauty: Known for its picturesque landscapes, clear blue waters, and surrounding hills.
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For Prelims: Umiam Lake, Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Ministry of Development of the North-eastern Region, National Green Tribunal (NGT), North East Rural Livelihood Project, North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), and 'Act Fast for Northeast' Policy.
For Mains: 1. How does the unique biodiversity of Northeast India contribute to its ecological significance, cultural heritage, and the challenges it faces in the context of development and conservation? (250 words).
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Source: The Hindu
