6 reasons why India needs its politicians to talk about environment

Every other party might be mentioning climate and environment in their manifestos, but anyone is hardly discussing the issue publicly. Moreover, this is the first time in India that a term such as climate change has been used. As a matter of fact, manifestos never manage to make it to the media headlines, however every other word said in the public rallies does. In the fault is not just politicians but our media as well which forgets mentioning climate every time, though its such a big issue.

Here we will put together 5 reasons why Indian politicians need to start putting environment as a priority in their to-do list-

1. Greenpeace International in 2019 highlights that out of 20 most polluted cities in the world, 15 are in India. All four satellite cities surrounding New Delhi - Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida were placed in the top six while the national capital itself, was placed at 11 out of 20. Yes, Delhi Pollution is a thing!
2. Lancet Planetary Health in 2018, revealed that in 2017 about 12.4 lakh people died in India, reason- air pollution. Not to forget that this figure is related to the deaths only due to ‘air’ pollution, not all the environmental hazards.
3. According to the report, it is estimated that about 600 million Indians face high to extreme levels of water stress, and that about two lakh people die each year due to inadequate access to safe water. The situation is likely to deteriorate by 2030 as the water demand further increases.
4. According to an article published in Mumbai Mirror, it is estimated that only 48% of the total discharge received by the one of the biggest rivers of India, Ganga is partially or fully treated.
5. The 2018 Global Environmental Performance Index placed India at 177 out of 180 countries, down more than 20 spots from 155 in 2014.
6. The World Bank calculates that India spends $221bn every year, that is 8.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on pollution-related healthcare.

Its high time we start using climate in the election campaigns. Also, we as voters need to choose our leaders wisely.

Also read our yesterday’s article titled- Cyclone Fani Reminds India What Is Left Out from Its Political Agenda

Image Credits –  Hindustan Times 

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