With over 1400 environmental cases languishing in legal limbo in the state, concerns abound as Bangalore eyes the implementation of the Bengaluru Climate Action and Resilience Plan (BCAP)
CHASING GREEN JUSTICE
“Since the 1990s, there has been a shift towards development-oriented achievements, leading to the dilution of environmental laws. When protective measures resemble more of forest management than conservation, it indicates a misalignment with the intended goals.”
Vijay Ramachandran, veteran journalist
I cannot make a comment on this; I am not authorised to do so,” said an officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) when asked about the 1400 environment-related cases pending in the state in 2022. When pressed further, the individual identified as Niranjan over the phone provided the contact number for T. Mahesh, whom he claimed is the Chief Environment Officer (CEO). The Board’s website confirmed Mahesh’s position as the CEO (In-Charge) but when three calls in a row to the number went unanswered, we dialled Niranjan again. This time, we sought an alternative contact to reach Mahesh.
“Someone else is handling these cases,” he replied, declining to disclose any further contacts before abruptly ending the call. This episode is just one among many instances when officials from state environment departments have declined to speak to Our Bangalore since the release of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data in mid-December. The alarming data released by the NCRB revealed that over 1400 cases pertaining to the environment in the state have been awaiting trial since 2022. Portraying a sombre panorama of the purported negligence toward environmental crimes in the state, the data brought to light that a staggering 1,392 cases have been lingering in trial limbo since 2021, with an additional 313 cases added to this disconcerting tally last year.
Regrettably, a mere 239 cases have seen resolution, leaving the state burdened with a substantial 1,400 pending environmental cases. This lackadaisical stance exhibited by the authorities has given rise to palpable concerns, particularly as Bangalore teeters on the verge of executing the Bengaluru Climate Action and Resilience Plan (BCAP). Amidst the government’s strategic initiatives, these alarming statistics starkly contrast and warrant immediate attention. “At regular intervals, I observe individuals felling trees along the roads. I don’t understand the reason for these actions, making me doubt the benefits they might bring. It leads me to question if authorities are aware of these destructive acts. Such actions make the awareness programmes by NGOs and the government seem ineffective,” remarks Namrata Belgavi, a Koramangala resident and school teacher.
Reportedly, one contributing factor to the government’s purported indifferent attitude towards the escalating environmental crimes is a severe staff crunch in relevant departments. The departments highlighted the inadequacy of actions and the absence of investigations into these cases, attributing it to the glaring “lack of staff in the department” as reported in the press. Incidentally, a performance audit report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), released a few years ago, had highlighted a significant staff deficit in the KSPCB. With over 60% of administrative posts left vacant, out of more than 650 available positions, less than half have been filled. Notably, positions under the KFD also remain vacant, with little government initiative to address this persistent shortfall.
“Since the 1990s, there has been a shift towards development-oriented achievements, leading to the dilution of environmental laws. When protective measures resemble more of forest management than conservation, it indicates a misalignment with the intended goals,” opines veteran journalist Vijay Ramachandran. Environmentalists also feel that a dearth of designated courts for cases related to environment is denting the hopes of those in pursuit of justice. “Interestingly, most of these cases involve the government. Despite citizens’ efforts to challenge this, the outcomes rarely favour them. The government often wins by justifying their actions as necessary steps towards development. Delays in legal proceedings are common, as those involving government entities are consistently postponed,” says Akshay Heblikar, Director of Eco-Watch, an environment conservation organisation. He stresses that it is now imperative to establish designated benches or courts to address this issue.
“This indifferent stance is largely fuelled by the perception that environmental issues don’t have an immediate impact. Even if 100 trees are cut in a day, one still continues to receive oxygen. Until more tangible consequences are experienced, finding a practical solution becomes challenging. Therefore, the key lies in raising awareness about the issue at hand,” he concludes.