While various issues were raised by politicians campaigning in the Vidhan Sabha election 2017, environmentalists and some groups have appealed the voters to also ascertain the environmental stance of the candidate they vote for.
Environmental issues, though of vital importance for the state and its people, are largely missing from manifestos of political parties and did not feature prominently in the election campaign, state observers.
Vimal Bhai and Sudershan Shah of Matu Jansangathan state, “At a time when various issues were debated, we found that the real issue of displacement of people due to construction of hydro electricity projects (HEPs), big infrastructure; mining, liquor, unemployment, people based tourism are not on the agenda of political parties. People affected by 2013 disaster have not yet been properly compensated and recovered from their losses. Instead of these issues, they are pampering issues which don’t exist and do not solve day to day problems of Uttarkhandi’s life and green environment of the state. Uttarakhand is a state of Himalaya, green cover and rivers specially the National River Ganga. No big political party came out with a roadmap for the development of people through its resources benefiting the people not the big players. It’s also where the Ganga river originates but protection of dying and disappearing Ganga and its tributaries is not on the agenda of political party chanting Namami Ganga at national level.
We have living examples where problems are continuing without solution. like Tehri Dam has become a never ending problem for the people living around the reservoir. More than 40 villages are facing problem of cracks in houses and sinking among others. Day by day new villages need rehabilitation due to these problems. Even till now all the oustees didn’t get land rights and basic civic amenities at their rehabilitation sites. In every election these issues are addressed at very local level but nothing comes out after winning elections in policies of the government.”
They further state that industrial areas are developed in Rudrapur, Dehradun, Haridwar and Haldwani but the policy of 70 per cent employment to local people is not being implemented with the level of employment given to locals being low. “The environmental condition is also depleting as these industrial areas are producing more carbon in their areas, not following prescribe environmental protection rules. Dam companies are throwing muck and debris directly into the river while illegal mining is destroying river beds. Check and balance situation is very minimal and when people’s organisations bring these issues in front of the government it hardly pays any attention. Big political parties have lost their ethical values,” they opine, adding that acquiring power appears to be the main aim of politicians, not serving Uttrakhand’s people.
They have appealed the people to vote for the candidate considering aspects like honesty of the candidate, candidate’s focus on issue of displacement, environmental conservation, river protection and flora fauna of State. “The candidate must recognise that natural wealth of state should be gently used for the benefit of the locals not for the big companies. Candidate's past record must also be considered,” they add.