Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranked the countries on the basis of parameters, viz., Air Quality; Water & sanitation; Heavy Metals; Biodiversity & Habitat; Forests; Fisheries; Climate & Energy; Air Pollution; Water Resources; and Agriculture- Sustainable practices. Top five countries in 2018 are Switzerland, France, Denmark, Malta and Sweden. Bottom five countries in 2018 includes Burundi, Bangladesh, Congo, India & Nepal. It is very shameful for us that our country’s name is in bottom list. Previously, the rank of India was 141st in 2016; and now it is dropped to 177th. Poor handling of air pollution abatement and forest protection measures has seen India slip to the 177th position.
India’s “Ujjwala Yojna” is meant for the LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The goal of this scheme has the potentials to positively impact the lives of millions by providing them with access to safe, affordable cooking technologies and fuels. If we see the reasons of the good performers for their performance, India should also follow like them. The have long commitment to protect the public health, preserving natural resources and decoupling Green House Gases (GHGs) emissions from economic activity. Concerted focus on sustainability as a “Policy Priority” would pay dividends.
Without contribution of the public, nothing is possible. If Govt. makes some policies, regulations with foresightedness, it should be followed for our own sustainable and continued development.
Matter Courtesy: Vishwa Mohan ( Times group), Report published in Times of India, Ahmedabad, Thursday, 25th January, 2018.
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