The Doon of yore, a vibrant dream,
Fades with each forest, lost and lean.
The air, once pure, with Buransh’s soft scent,
Now seething with fumes, casts a dolor.
On March 21, the Supreme Court of India affirmed the fundamental right of its citizens by expanding its ambit "to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change". This powerful assertion, rooted in Articles 14 and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, underscores the growing legal recognition of the profound connection between environmental protection and the vested fundamental rights of citizens. In its judgement in the case, M K Ranjitsinh vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India was entrusted with upholding both environmental protection (under the ambit of fundamental rights) and international climate commitments.
The court was tasked with maintaining the delicate equilibrium between safeguarding biodiversity (the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard) and fostering India's transition to renewable energy to meet its global sustainability commitments. With its judgement, the Supreme Court underscored the inherent nexus between climate change and fundamental rights and emphasised the critical responsibility of states to frame climate action through the lens of protecting citizens' rights.
Yet, it was only two months later that the state of Uttarakhand issued a directive, citing a water shortage, to axe over 1,800 trees in the ecologically sensitive Khalanga reserve forest. This proposed solution of carving a reservoir and drawing water from the Song Dam raised serious concerns along with a public outcry.
Today, Uttarakhand is grappling with a dual crisis: raging wildfires that consume its verdant land and a crippling water scarcity that threatens its very lifeblood. This confluence of challenges exposes the state's vulnerability and compels a critical examination of its development practices.
A 2023 report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) paints a concerning picture of global water stress, highlighting India as one of the 25 countries facing exceptionally severe challenges. The WRI's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas warns that the situation is likely to deteriorate further by 2050, with a staggering 60% of the world's population projected to experience water scarcity for at least a month each year. India suffers from "extreme water stress", which means that over 80% of its readily available freshwater is already being consumed for irrigation, livestock, industry, and households. This thirst is fueled by a growing population and the ever-increasing demands of industries such as agriculture, energy production, and manufacturing. Further compounding the issue, the report identifies unsustainable water management practices, inadequate investment in water infrastructure, and the looming threat of climate change as factors further straining the nation's water supply.
Rapid urbanisation, fueled by demands for space, resources, and technological advancement have taken a heavy toll on Uttarakhand's natural resources. The quest for sustainable water management in burgeoning cities often descends into a tragic paradox. Immediate needs for water security clash with long-term environmental consequences of unsustainable practices, jeopardising the very ecological balance on which water security ultimately depends.
A seemingly straightforward solution of constructing reservoirs by axing trees in reserved forests raises significant legal and ecological concerns. While the water crisis is undeniably real, resorting to such drastic measures in a protected forest demands a comprehensive approach. Forests stand as nature's air filters and soak up greenhouse gases, acting as a crucial buffer against climate change. Additionally, deforestation alters local weather patterns, potentially leading to erratic rainfall and jeopardising the very purpose of the dam — water security.
Uttarakhand's forests, particularly the pine belts, are highly susceptible to wildfires due to a combination of factors such as resinous leaf litter accumulation and rising temperatures. Deforestation for dams further exacerbates fire risks. Less vegetation translates to drier landscapes, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly.
These fires not only endanger lives and property but also disrupt the natural water cycle. Trees act as natural water filters and hold soil together, preventing erosion and maintaining water tables. Cutting them down increases the risk of flash floods and landslides during heavy monsoons, followed by droughts in the dry season.
Additionally, deforestation releases stored carbon dioxide, accelerating global warming and worsening water scarcity through increased evaporation.
Deforestation disrupts this process, leading to increased surface runoff and decreased groundwater recharge, worsening water scarcity in the long run. Uttarakhand can overcome its water challenges by embracing sustainable urban planning and water conservation practices. The crisis underscores the urgent need for long-term water security planning, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment initiatives.
Rainwater harvesting systems, efficient irrigation techniques, and leak detection programmes can significantly reduce pressure on freshwater resources. Implementing eco-friendly infrastructure while building homes and adapting techniques such as green roofs, rain barrels, and permeable pavements to capture rainwater and recharge groundwater. Using alternative water sources like treated wastewater, while considering their environmental impact, paves the way for long-term solutions.
Stringent environmental laws and land-use regulations are vital. However, combating climate change also demands a paradigm shift by moving from individual actions to a spirit of collective cooperation. We must move beyond the lens of the unilateral responsibility of the state and foster collective responsibility, and this cannot be achieved without local communities; therefore, empowering local communities is crucial. Traditional ecological knowledge, often disregarded in development plans, holds valuable insights for sustainable mountain development. Collaboration with local communities is crucial, involving them in forest conservation efforts and promoting sustainable livelihoods fosters a sense of ownership and encourages responsible resource use.
By adopting sustainable practices and collective cooperation, the state can ensure water security while safeguarding its precious forests. Learning from global examples such as Singapore, and fostering collective action through collaboration are key to building a resilient future.
Drawing lessons from Uttarakhand’s environmental triumphs, the Chipko Andolan stands out as a collective action rooted in love for nature. It highlighted the importance of community participation in forest conservation and sustainable development. Today, as the echoes of those courageous embraces fade, the state faces a chilling reality. The very reasons that ignited the Chipko – rampant deforestation and the ecological crisis are resurfacing, threatening to engulf Uttarakhand in a crisis far more devastating. Today We stand at juncture, where the lessons of Chipko offer a potent reminder: to secure a future for Uttarakhand, we must rekindle the spirit of collective responsibility by adopting sustainable urban planning and management practices within communities and every household.
Author is a law student who is passionate about wildlife, environment and child rights.
