Mongabay series: Hewing The Regulatory Tree
India has multiple laws, rules, policies, and guidelines to protect its environment, forests, wildlife and biodiversity. These regulations together provide the legislative framework to authorities at the federal, state, district or village level to govern them. Taken together, all these regulations resemble a large tree that encompasses all sectors and issues directly or indirectly related to the environmental sector. Strict implementation of these regulations, however, is increasingly being considered a roadblock to industrial and developmental projects securing green clearances. In such a scenario, successive governments irrespective of their ideology, have consistently made efforts to streamline and simplify the procedures to make the process quicker. However, legal experts and those closely tracking the field note that simplifying the procedures is nothing but watering down of the green laws. They point out that the dilutions of the country’s green laws are akin to hewing the regulatory tree of India’s green laws. Every dilution in the laws is similar to an axe cutting the tree in the name of getting rid of deadwood. Through this series, Mongabay-India is documenting how the regulatory changes are being brought in and what the changes actually mean. Our stories from around the country string together the decisions made in closed rooms and their impact on the ground. Through this project, we also chronicle instances where governments attempt to undo the efforts of courts that quashed environmental policy dilutions.
Ecological degradation at Narmada’s origin in Amarkantak spells more trouble
Over 1,800 rainforest trees to be axed for hydropower project near proposed Athirapilly dam
Government’s crackdown renews interest in draft EIA 2020
Mines ministry seeks public hearing exemption for expansion of non-coal mining projects
[Video] How does the new draft EIA affect the environment and me?
Environment ministry unlocked many protected areas during the lockdown
Cheaper coal transport through water and sky could come at the cost of the environment
Etalin hydel plant’s future now hangs on its economic viability
Concern for birds grounds Mumbai’s marina project for now
Despite COVID lockdown, environment ministry’s expert panels race to clear projects
Government pushes for post facto environment clearances while apex court disapproves
India’s proposed overhaul of environment clearance rules could dilute existing regulations
Protecting Jharkhand’s groves of faith
High rate of green clearances continue, puts forests and wildlife at risk
As the Brahmaputra swells, erosion-affected families await revised policy
Twenty years in the making: Where is India’s National Plan of Action for shark fisheries?
Western Maharashtra floods: A man-made disaster?
Private sector gets go ahead for assisting rehabilitation of degraded forests
Govt modifies compensatory afforestation rules for ease of business
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- Pathogens find new pathways as agriculture, deforestation intensify
- Measuring the scavenging value of vultures
- New rules spell giant troubles for jumbos
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination