Environmental activists in Maharashtra are urging political parties to prioritize environmental protection in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. They claim that most parties are not addressing crucial environmental issues that are affecting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), which could have severe consequences in the future.
Representatives from non-profit organizations and citizen groups have raised concerns about issues such as erratic rainfall, flooding, air and sea pollution, and disappearing wetlands in the region. They emphasize the need for political parties to move beyond mere election rhetoric and focus on concrete actions to address environmental challenges.
BN Kumar, the director of NatConnect, highlighted the shortage of open spaces in urban centers like Mumbai, where textile mill lands have been converted into concrete jungles without proper tree plantation. Nandakumar Pawar from Sagar Shakti pointed out the contamination of creek and sea waters, as well as the potential risks of flooding due to the loss of natural watercourses.
The activists also criticized the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government for sidelining the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) and called for its revival. They commended the Shiv Sena for including environmental protection in its manifesto and urged other parties to follow suit.
Jyoti Nadkarni from the Kharghar Hills and Wetlands Group expressed concerns about the destruction of wetlands and mangroves for development projects like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and coastal roads. Advocate Godfrey Pimenta warned about the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai due to uncontrolled construction and increasing vehicular traffic, posing a serious health risk to residents.
As the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 approach, activists are calling on political parties to prioritize environmental issues in their campaigns. With the voting scheduled for 20th November and the results to be announced three days later, the future of environmental protection in Maharashtra hangs in the balance.
It is crucial for policymakers to address these environmental concerns and work towards sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of both the residents and the ecosystem. By taking proactive steps to protect the environment, political parties can ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for Maharashtra.
