Supreme Court's Green Mandate: A Wake-up Call for India's Environmental Policies

The Supreme Court's warning that tree felling is 'worse than killing humans' serves as a wake-up call for India's government amid weakening forest laws. Environmentalists emphasize the urgency of protecting forests over development projects. Critics suggest more balanced policies to benefit local communities and preserve ecological balance.

The Supreme Court's recent remarks equating the cutting down of trees to a crime worse than human life loss have sparked a renewed debate on environmental conservation in India. The court's decision to uphold strict tree protection measures was applauded by environmentalists but questioned for its practicality.

Environmental advocates argue the central government's dilution of forest protection laws threatens India's ecological balance, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas. Bhim Singh Rawat from SANDRP highlights the devastating impact of infrastructure projects, while Neelam Ahluwalia points to issues like illegal mining in the Aravallis exacerbating climate change effects.

Despite varying viewpoints, the consensus underscores the urgent need to reconcile development with ecological preservation. This balance is crucial not only for global climate commitments but also for the survival of forest-dependent communities, as pointed out by local activists and experts.

(With inputs from agencies.)