(i) Chilka Bachao Andolan and Chipko Movement
A. Chilka Bachao Andolan (Save Chilka Movement)
Introduction
The Chilka Bachao Andolan was a mass environmental movement aimed at protecting Chilka Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, from ecological degradation due to commercial prawn farming.
Key Issues
- The 1991 government decision to allow corporate-backed prawn farming in Chilka caused:
- Destruction of natural fisheries, affecting local fisherfolk.
- Pollution and biodiversity loss, endangering aquatic species.
- Loss of livelihood for over 150,000 traditional fishers.
Protests and Impact
- Fishermen and environmental activists opposed large-scale shrimp farming.
- The movement gained momentum, forcing the Supreme Court of India to ban corporate prawn farming in 1996.
- The protest highlighted people’s rights over natural resources.
B. Chipko Movement (1973)
Introduction
The Chipko Movement (hug-the-trees movement) was a forest conservation movement in Uttarakhand, India. It was led primarily by women, fighting against deforestation caused by commercial logging.
Key Features
- Villagers, led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and Gaura Devi, hugged trees to stop them from being cut.
- The movement spread across India, influencing forest conservation policies.
- Resulted in the 1980 Forest Conservation Act, banning deforestation in Himalayan regions.
Impact
- Inspired global environmental movements.
- Highlighted the role of women in ecological activism.
(ii) Seed Suicides in India
Introduction
“Seed suicides” refer to the suicides of Indian farmers caused by high debts from purchasing genetically modified (GM) seeds and the failure of crops due to unsustainable farming practices.
Causes
- Expensive hybrid and GM seeds (e.g., Bt cotton) increased farmer debt.
- High cost of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Low government support and declining crop prices.
Impact
- Over 300,000 farmer suicides in India between 1995-2022.
- Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, and Karnataka saw the highest cases.
Solutions
- Promotion of organic farming and native seeds.
- Government support through subsidies and debt relief.
(iii) Indicators of Sustainability of Food Security
Food security is ensuring reliable access to sufficient, nutritious food for all. Sustainable food security depends on:
A. Key Indicators
- Food Availability – Sufficient production and supply of food.
- Food Access – Economic and physical access to food.
- Food Utilization – Proper nutrition, health, and food safety.
- Stability – Protection against food supply fluctuations (e.g., climate shocks).
- Sustainability – Long-term agricultural practices ensuring food security.
Example
- The Green Revolution improved food availability, but modern sustainability challenges include soil degradation and overuse of chemicals.
(iv) Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs)
ESTs refer to eco-friendly innovations that reduce environmental harm while improving efficiency and sustainability.
A. Types of ESTs
- Renewable Energy Technologies – Solar, wind, and hydropower.
- Waste Management Solutions – Recycling, biodegradable materials.
- Water Conservation Technologies – Drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting.
B. Importance of ESTs
- Reduces carbon emissions and pollution.
- Improves resource efficiency and conservation.
Example
- Solar energy adoption in rural India has reduced dependency on fossil fuels.
(v) Environmental Ethics
Environmental ethics examines human responsibilities towards nature and sustainable use of resources.
A. Core Principles
- Sustainability – Balance between development and conservation.
- Intergenerational Equity – Protecting resources for future generations.
- Animal Rights and Biodiversity Protection – Ethical treatment of non-human species.
B. Example
- The Paris Agreement (2015) follows environmental ethics by promoting global climate responsibility.
(vi) Role of Judiciary in Curbing Air Pollution
A. Importance of Judiciary in Environmental Protection
Courts play a crucial role in enforcing pollution control laws and ensuring corporate and government accountability.
B. Landmark Judicial Interventions
- MC Mehta vs. Union of India (1986) – Led to the Taj Trapezium case, restricting industrial pollution near the Taj Mahal.
- Delhi Air Pollution Case (2018) – Supreme Court mandated odd-even traffic rules and stubble-burning regulations.
- NGT (National Green Tribunal) Rulings – Imposed penalties on industries for violating air quality norms.
C. Impact of Judiciary on Air Pollution Control
- Strengthened implementation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
- Encouraged the adoption of clean energy sources and stricter vehicle emission norms.
Conclusion
Each of these topics highlights critical environmental and sustainability challenges in India and globally. From grassroots movements (Chipko, Chilka Bachao) to legal interventions and technological innovations, diverse strategies are needed to ensure long-term ecological balance and sustainable development.
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