The issue of environment and development has occupied the centre-stage in India not only because of the failure of the global climate talks in Copenhagen last December, but also in the light of the reported fissures within the Government about the over zealousness of Mr Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment (Independent Charge), in allegedly blocking clearances to projects via his Ministry.
India has the dubious distinction of being the fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) even if the volumes are relatively less compared to that of the US, Russia or China. But the key issue of balancing ecology and sustainable economic growth throws up a big challenge to the authorities even as India is all set to cruise on the high growth path.
According to environment minister Mr Jairam Ramesh, attempts to link trade and environmental issues by the US legislation border taxes that do not come on to legally binding agreements. We have rejected this clearly and categorically.
You cannot use climate change talks to bring in trade-related issues. In our view, it is not WTO-compatible — it is bad for trade and it is bad for climate.”
With his characteristic clarity and candidness, Mr Ramesh dismisses the diatribe against him for being “intrusive and anti-growth”, saying: “I am fulfilling only my dharma”.
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