[ad_1]
A set of normal working procedures (SOP) issued by the Union surroundings ministry for all freeway initiatives close to border areas might, sadly, be too late to reverse the injury that unchecked growth has wreaked on the delicate Himalayas. But when it may engender a change within the attitudes of the authorities and the builders, it might nonetheless assist in safeguarding this fragile ecosystem. The doc asks for complete research on the vulnerability of a proposed venture website for landslides, slope stability, seismic exercise and eco-fragility, and requires environment-friendly and protected building methodology. If the proposed route entails tunnelling or drilling, the SOP requires detailed research.
Coming because it does months after the primary indicators of cracks began showing in homes and buildings in Joshimath, and years after consultants first flagged warnings about growth initiatives and highways within the Himalayas, the SOP might obtain little in nudging current initiatives in the direction of sustainability. However its try at placing a steadiness between nationwide and defence priorities can change into an vital sign for future initiatives, ought to the federal government now undertake this method and implement it rigorously. However to take action, it should reconcile this doc with its current strikes, together with one from July final 12 months that exempted highways in border areas from acquiring prior surroundings clearances, successfully clearing the trail for the controversial high-altitude stretches of the Char Dham venture in Uttarakhand. The injury in Joshimath and its adjoining areas is already finished. However it isn’t too late to save lots of the Himalayas. It might want to dispel the angle of taking a look at environmental regulation as growth roadblocks to realize any significant progress.
Get pleasure from limitless digital entry with HT Premium
Subscribe Now to proceed studying
[ad_2]
Source link
