The report on Indias environment published by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) charges that industry has set its sights on huge profits.
EIA cites the examples of hydro-electric and thermal power projects that are being built on the borders of games reserves in contravention of environment norms as destroying tiger habitats.
It also points a finger at ACC, which is building a $ 40 million cement plant on the boundary of Balpakaram National Park in Meghalaya that will block routes used by elephants. The report says that the plant and mine sites are located precisely within a narrow and intensively used elephant corridor.
The EIA report goes out of its way to attack Prime Minister Deve Gowda and quotes a statement he made to an Indian environmental magazine early this year before he moved to the Centre.
I see no relation between liberalisation and environment. My sole concern and objective is that Karnataka becomes number one in industries in the country, Gowda had stated at that time.
The report comments that, such blatant disregard for the environment may gain him (Deve Gowda) many unscrupulous corporate friends. But it will also give him powerful enemies.
Tigers are being pushed from their natural habitats in places as far apart as Sohagpur reserve forest in Madhya Pradesh and Pykara in the Nilgiris Hills of Tamil Nadu, according to the report.
In Madhya Pradesh, for instance, the Sanjay Gandhi thermal power station is slated to come up 30 km from the Bandavgarh National park. EIA says, this is not mentioned in the Environmental Impact Assessment.
Similarly, in the Nilgiris Hills it says that the Pykara hydro-electric project will harm three sanctuaries including the Bandipur tiger reserve. The report claims that the project was, mysteriously cleared by the planning commission following approval by the ministry of environment.
The report also attacks the Kudremukh Iron Ore Mining Company for its plans to conduct mining operations in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kudremukh National Park. It throws cold water on the companys claims that mining can take place in the national park without damaging the environment.
The report also criticises several state governments for anti-environment moves like the de-notification of protected areas. In Maharashtra, for instance, the state government has de-notified a 500 km zone around the Melghat tiger reserve.
The report praises Indias wildlife legislation but says that, the law is not at fault it is the failure to enforce it and the flagrant abuse of it by politicians and industrialists. They are the most sophisticated poachers of all.
