Environmental Impact Assessments and NGO

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a vital process in India that assesses the potential environmental effects of major projects prior to their approval, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making and promoting sustainable development. The effectiveness of EIA hinges on the participation of stakeholders, especially environmental NGOs and activists.

 

•Role of NGOs and Activists in influencing EIA outcome:

 

• Advocacy and Awareness: NGOs play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the environmental consequences and mobilizing community support.

For example: The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) in India mobilized local communities against the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

 

• Monitoring Compliance: NGOs actively monitor projects and report violations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations throughout and post the EIA process.

For example: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) scrutinized the Mathurapur Water Supply Project in West Bengal, highlighting deficiencies in its EIA regarding water resources and biodiversity.

 

• Legal Intervention: Activists frequently use legal channels to challenge inadequate or noncompliant EIAs.

 

For example: In the Khandadhar Iron Ore Mine in Odisha, local activists and NGOs

successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the project due to flaws in its EIA documentation.

 

• Research and Evidence: NGOs conduct independent research that provides essential data to challenge government or corporate assessments.

 

• Capacity Building: NGOs equip communities with training and resources, empowering them to engage effectively in the EIA process.

 

Millets and its role

 

•In India, millets can play a crucial role in addressing malnutrition, ensuring

nutritional security, and enhancing agricultural sustainability in a changing climate.

 

Role of Millets in Ensuring Health Security in India

 

• Antioxidant-Rich Composition: Millets contain antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, helping For example: Ragi is rich in antioxidants, supporting overall cellular health.

 

• Gluten-Free Alternative: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

 

• High Fiber Content: Millets are rich in dietary fiber, aiding digestion, preventing constipation, and promoting gut health.

 

For example: Bajra contains high fiber, supporting a healthy digestive system.

 

• Stabilizing Blood Sugar Levels: Millets have a low glycemic index, helping regulate blood sugar, which is crucial for diabetes management.

 

• Cardiovascular Benefits: Millets help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health due to their nutrient composition.

For example: Pearl millet is associated with reducing bad cholesterol levels.

 

Role of Millets in Ensuring Nutritional Security in India

 

• Protein-Rich Source: Millets are a good source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle development and overall body function.

 

• Vitamins and Minerals: Millets are packed with essential vitamins like B-complex and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, contributing to overall health.

For instance: Bajra is rich in magnesium, which aids bone health and nerve function.

 

• Combating Anaemia: Millets, rich in iron, effectively combat iron-deficiency anemia.

 

 

Narco terrorism and its threat

 

•Emergence of narco-terrorism as a serious threat in India:

 

• The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) and the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan), facilitates the flow of narcotics into the country.

 

• Weak Law Enforcement: Insufficient capacity and resources among law enforcement agencies hinder effective drug control and anti-terrorism measures.

For instance: The limited presence of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in remote border areas makes it difficult to combat drug trafficking networks.

 

• Funding for Terrorism: Drug trafficking serves as a significant source of funding for terrorist organizations, enabling them to carry out their operations.

 

• Social Acceptance of Drug Culture: A growing normalization of drug use in certain social circles contributes to a notion that tolerates narco-trafficking. Certain genres of cinema and social media at times further glorify drug use by portraying it as trendy.

 

• Insurgency and Ethnic Conflicts: Ongoing insurgencies and ethnic conflicts in regions like Asia, the Middle East, and Africa

 

Measures to combat the threat of narco-terrorism:

 

• Enhancing Border Management Techniques: Strengthening border security through advanced surveillance, fencing, and improved patrolling helps reduce drug inflow.

For example: The deployment of smart fencing systems along the India-Pakistan border under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) has significantly reduced cross-border drug smuggling, especially in Punjab.

 

• Legal Reforms and Swift Justice: Setting up special fast-track courts ensures quick prosecution of drug and terrorism-related offenses, enhancing legal deterrence.

 

• Establishing Integrated Task Forces for Intelligence Sharing: Forming joint task forces with coordinated efforts between various security and intelligence agencies helps dismantle trafficking networks.

 

• Promoting Community Engagement: Raising public awareness about drug risks and involving communities in vigilance can significantly reduce demand and discourage drug trafficking.

For example: The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan educates communities across India, creating.