Everyday Ecological Justice: Grassroots Struggles in India to Protect Our Commons, Humanity, and Wildlife Beyond Environment Day

On June 5th, the world celebrated Environment Day. Just a day later, the National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ) hosted an online press conference, highlighting pressing ecological issues across India. Activists from various states, including Kashmir, Sikkim, and Tamil Nadu, shared their experiences and struggles with environmental violations.

The Cost of Coal
Alok Shukla from Chhattisgarh underscored the seriousness of coal mining, indicating that over 400,000 hectares of forest could vanish due to 40 coal blocks. This loss is irreplaceable and harms local communities, especially when rights of Adivasi Gram Sabhas are ignored.

Tourism’s Double-Edged Sword
Naseer Dar from Kashmir spoke about unregulated tourism harming fishing communities. He highlighted their fight for land and water rights amid changing weather patterns that disrupt their livelihoods.

Health Risks from Waste
Vishvaja from Chennai criticized “Waste to Energy” projects. She pointed out that these initiatives threaten public health by affecting wetlands and harming marginalized communities. Similar projects face pushback in cities like Delhi and Hyderabad.

Mining’s Destructive Impact
Kailash Meena and Neelam Ahluwalia discussed unlawful mining activities in the Aravalli range. Data from "People for Aravallis" shows how licensed operations flout regulations, contributing to severe health issues and environmental degradation.

Rivers in Distress
Rajkumar Sinha raised concerns about the Narmada River, where dams are harming fish populations and livelihoods. He argued that water is diverted for industrial use rather than local farmers.

A Call for Accountability
Medha Patkar emphasized the need for better governance. Corruption and hasty approvals for big projects often violate citizens’ rights and prioritize profit over people.

Urban Development Concerns
Santosh Lalwani pointed out flawed urban planning that interrupts natural water flow. Cities are witnessing a rise in citizen-led initiatives challenging unsustainable projects.

The Sikkim Situation
Malaymit Lepcha raised alarms about hydropower projects on the Teesta River, criticizing the government for failing to declare a recent flood a national disaster.

Land Use Conflicts
Ravi Kanneganti discussed plans for massive projects in Telangana that could destroy agricultural land. Local movements are rising against these developments marketed as sustainable.

Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project
Concerns over the coastal road in Mumbai highlighted potential ecological devastation. The project threatens to destroy mangroves crucial for biodiversity and flood prevention.

Throughout the conference, NACEJ members showed their solidarity with grassroots movements in Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh. The alarming trend of state repression must end, and community voices should be heard.

A Global Perspective
The meeting concluded with a strong message of solidarity for global causes, such as the plight of the Palestinian people. NACEJ echoed Greta Thunberg’s sentiment that both genocide and ecocide are interconnected issues that need urgent attention.

For more context and insights on environmental justice issues, explore NACEJ’s official reports.

This gathering marked a powerful moment for activists dedicated to ecological and climate justice, reinforcing that these concerns are universal and vital for all living beings.

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