Maharashtra Needs a Green Rapid Action Force to Combat Environmental Crimes
The destruction of mangroves and wetlands in Maharashtra has increased, highlighting the need for a dedicated green police force to tackle environmental violations.
MaharashtraGreen PoliceEnvironmental CrimesMangrovesWetlandsReal Estate MaharashtraSep 21, 2024
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its manifesto for a green and healthy recovery from COVID-19, had focused on protecting nature, focusing on water and sanitation, clean energy, healthy and sustainable food policy, and stopping subsidising fossil fuels. However, the government seems to have forgotten environmental care after the pandemic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his periodic messages, talks about protecting our biodiversity, but the government misses out on an inclusive environmental policy. By inclusive policy, we do not mean merely involving the people at large but making the elected representatives from Panchayat to Parliament accountable.
The destruction of mangroves and wetlands in the Mumbai region is a pressing issue. Large-scale destruction of mangroves and wetlands from Versova to Uran and from Bhiwandi to Panvel is a common sight. This is apart from the destruction that goes on under the guise of infrastructure development.
The NatConnect Foundation, which enjoys the support of about 10,000 people, has called for close and strict monitoring of the implementation of environmental clearance conditions. We have also appealed to the PM to declare the National Green Police as an Environment Day project and issue guidelines for the States.
The existing police force is ill-equipped and inadequate to take care of environmental cases. Our suggestion to set up an independent Green Police to tackle environmental violations has been referred to the Home department, but no action has been taken yet.
Various laws such as the Forest Act, the Environment Protection Act, etc., are supposed to take care of violations. But then the powers are not evenly distributed among the authorities. For instance, the cases under the Environmental Protection Act are supposed to be booked by only the environment and revenue departments.
The State has finally moved in to allow budgets from the Mangrove Cell’s accruals for a Rs 120 crore video surveillance with night vision cameras. This will help track the offenders and scan the number plates of debris dumping trucks. However, we need to go beyond this tracking.
We need the government to set up a green rapid action force on the lines of the anti-riot police to catch the culprits. The government should also move a step further by setting up fast-track courts to deal with environmental offences – be it debris dumping on mangroves, burial of wetlands, cutting the hills, illegal quarrying, and tree destruction.
Environment as a subject deserves a fresh approach beginning with basic lessons to the policy makers who do not seem to realise the importance of wetlands, river regulatory zones, Coastal Regulation Zones, and mangroves. Everybody talks about learning about opportunities in each crisis, but none seizes the visible opportunities.
The Mumbai deluge on July 26, 2005, is a solid example of the government's inaction. The successive governments have done precious little to implement the Chitale Committee report on the same crisis. Admittedly, it is the pressure from activists and environment lovers that made the government act on CCTV watch for mangroves, and we need the people’s pressure to have a dedicated police force for environmental peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue highlighted in the article?
The destruction of mangroves and wetlands in Maharashtra and the need for a dedicated green police force to tackle environmental violations.
What is the NatConnect Foundation's appeal to the PM?
To declare the National Green Police as an Environment Day project and issue guidelines for the States.
What is the proposed solution to tackle environmental crimes?
Setting up a green rapid action force on the lines of the anti-riot police and fast-track courts to deal with environmental offences.
What is the importance of mangroves and wetlands?
Mangroves and wetlands are crucial for the environment, and their destruction can have severe consequences.
What is the author's suggestion to the government?
To set up an independent Green Police to tackle environmental violations and to implement the Chitale Committee report on the Mumbai deluge.
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