Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol highlighted the severe environmental effects of Sutlej River dam construction, reducing the trans-Himalayan river to a small stream. His remarks came during the launch of Jatinder Cheema’s book on climate change, emphasizing the impacts on India’s agriculture sector.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Karol has voiced concerns over the significant environmental impacts of dam construction on the Sutlej River, transforming this once mighty trans-Himalayan river into a mere rivulet.
At the launch of a book titled “Climate Change: The Policy, Law and Practice” by lawyer Jatinder (Jay) Cheema, Justice Karol detailed the drastic changes in the ecosystem caused by human interventions and the broader implications for India’s agriculture sector.
Justice Karol observed that certain river stretches are drying up due to escalating temperatures and human activities.
He stated-
“The construction of several dams has reduced the Sutlej, India’s only trans-Himalayan river, to a mere rivulet, profoundly altering the entire ecosystem and ecological chain.”
Highlighting the extensive efforts and investments made to address river pollution, he remarked-
“Successive governments have spent Rs 30,000 crore on cleaning the Ganga, yet the current state remains visible to all. Much more must be done, as the iconic Gangetic river dolphins are sadly absent.”
Justice Karol also emphasized the severe consequences of climate change on agriculture, which remains a cornerstone of the Indian economy.
ALSO READ:[Periyar River Pollution] Kerala High Court Directs To form Expert Committee to Address the Issue
“Despite significant growth in other sectors, agriculture remains pivotal for nearly 58 percent of India’s population, supporting their livelihoods through allied activities. Achieving self-reliance in the 1970s with the Green Revolution, India now produces sufficient foodgrain for its population. However, the sector grapples with myriad socio-economic and environmental challenges.”
-he explained.
The judge noted that climate change has led to a decline in agricultural yield in India. He elaborated-
“Climate change has reportedly reduced India’s agricultural yield. Unsustainable practices like heavy chemical fertilizer use, observed prominently in Punjab, along with over-irrigation and excessive groundwater extraction, further contribute to deteriorating farming conditions and agricultural output.”
During his address, Justice Karol stressed the need for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and human activities. He urged policymakers to prioritize environmental conservation alongside agricultural development to ensure long-term stability and productivity in the sector.
The escalating effects of climate change on agriculture have become alarmingly evident, particularly in the cultivation of “paan” (betel) leaves in Bihar, which has suffered due to extreme heat with temperatures soaring to nearly 50 degrees Celsius. This was highlighted by a judge recently, underscoring the urgent need for adaptive measures in agricultural practices.
The health of the agriculture sector in India is inextricably linked to the vitality of the nation’s rivers. These water bodies, along with the extensive ecosystems they support, have been severely affected by altered monsoon patterns. The consequences of these environmental shifts are profound, impacting not just the flora and fauna, but also the communities that depend on these rivers for their livelihood.
Justice Karol articulated a visionary perspective on the legal dimensions of this crisis. He asserted the necessity to conceptualize climate change as a distinct legal field, separate from traditional environmental law.
“Climate change must be acknowledged as a distinct branch of law.”
– he explained, distinct from environmental law at large.
Highlighting the imperative of legal awareness, Justice Karol stressed-
“It is crucial for everyone to be educated about environmental laws, the impacts of climate change, and the adoption of modern sustainable practices.”
This call to action underscores the necessity for comprehensive education on environmental issues to foster a more informed public that can engage in sustainable practices.
At the same event, Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan echoed these concerns, describing climate change as a “serious existential threat.” He advocated for the establishment of a permanent commission to tackle this issue head-on, suggesting a model akin to NITI Aayog that would orchestrate a unified response to the climate crisis in India.
ALSO READ:“The Aravallis Have to be Protected” : Supreme Court to 4 States
Adding to the discourse, Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court reflected on the judiciary’s proactive role in environmental conservation. He noted that the court has “time and again gone above and beyond the scope of existing laws” to mitigate environmental degradation. Justice Kant expressed hope that the Indian legislature would intensify its efforts to meet these environmental challenges, signaling a crucial need for legislative action in this area.
