Expressing grave concern over depleting water flow in rivers across the country, including Odisha, the Odisha Krushak Mahasangha (OKM) has urged the National Green Tribunal to take immediate measures as per the law to check an ‘imminent’ water famine, which is expected spoil both human and animal lives in coming days.
The Mahasangh suggested some measures and requested the tribunal to ask the Union Government and State Governments to implement at the earliest.
“The Union Government and most of the State Governments have failed to implement the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution. As a result, flow of water in all rivers of Odisha and other States have decreased by 70 per cent compared to the flow 30 years ago. Now, boating is not possible at 90 per cent Pheri Ghats. The situation has arisen because drying up of 80 per cent of hilltop streams due to devastation of 99 per cent forests off-hills,” informed OKM president Bibhudhendra Pratap Das in his petition.
He too mentioned that groundwater level has gone down, excepting coastal parts, in all cities and rural areas due to indiscriminate cutting of trees, construction of high rise buildings and misuse of natural water bodies.
“If immediate measures are not taken, a water famine will happen very soon, which will give rise to a civil war,” apprehended Das.
He informed that though MPs and MlAs have submitted following suggestions to both the Union Government and the Odisha Government many times during the last 15 years, yet no tangible action has been taken.
While forests have the capacity to conserve water on hills and ground and absorb carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, a complete ban on use of valuable wooden materials in private buildings can check tree cutting to a great extent. Hence, a stringent law should be enacted in this regard. There should be provision to punish the offenders with electricity disconnection, heavy fine and other forms of severe punishment, he mentioned.
He added that the money collected from illegal users may be given to informers, both private individuals and Government staffs, as awards while their names must be kept secret. Use of PVC, aluminum and iron should be encouraged for making of doors, windows and furniture.
Das reminded that the 1988 National Forest Policy discourages use of wooden materials in buildings.
As plantation programmes have failed due to rampant corruption, the same should be assigned on tender basis to private agencies by taking bank guarantee. Plantation may be included in curriculums of high schools and Plus Two and Plus Three classes.
Similarly, wild animals should be protected with provision of cash prizes ranging from Rs1, 000 to Rs 50,000 for informers of poachers and 24-hour anti-poacher mobile squads to nab hunters. life improvement punishment should be given. Special courts should be set up for quick disposal of animal crime cases.
Exports of iron ore, bauxite and chromites may be banned and only required quantum be produced to meet need of the country. This way, large extent of forestland can be saved, which would counter excess heat conditions in the long run.
Das further suggested that top priority may be given for production of bio-diesel for running of vehicles.
For this, entrepreneurs be given bank loans at one per cent interest. Besides, use of CNG gas in vehicles should also be encouraged.
Producers of solar energy should be exempted from all types of taxes and use of solar lights should be encouaraged. Taxes may be exempted for non-conventional auto vehicles.
Farmers should be encouraged to use of bio-fertiliser to check pollution. They should be insured by Governments.
Police power should be given to forest staffs with arm and ammunition and corrupt employees should be given compulsory retirements. Retired Defense personnel be employed to protect forests.
The exhausted vacant mines should be used for storage of rain water. The nearby river water can be diverted during rainy season by constructing check dams and canals. This work may be taken up by industrial and mines authorities, and they should use this conserved water only.
MGNREGS funds should be utilised for construction of tanks and small check dams. Rain water should be harvested in rooftop tanks in line with Tamil Nadu method. New building plans should not be approved without rain water harvesting provision. The Odisha Reward for Dictation of Forest Ofence rule is an ideal provision to inform about forest offenders, hence, it should be implemented by other States.
NGT branches should set up in all States, Das demanded.