The rapid urbanisation of Mumbai has exacerbated emissions, congested traffic, and the degradation of natural habitats. These environmental issues significantly impact the health and well-being of the city’s residents. Despite this, environmental activists express disappointment that these concerns have not been a focal point in the election campaigns of Lok Sabha candidates from the city.
Manifestos Mention, Campaigns Ignore
Although climate change and environmental concerns are included in the manifestos of major parties like the BJP and Congress, candidates from Mumbai’s six constituencies have largely ignored these topics in their campaign speeches.
The Congress manifesto dedicates two pages to environmental and water management issues, covering climate change, disaster management, and proposed initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme, coastal zone protection, and water harvesting. “The Congress pledges to establish an Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority tasked with setting and enforcing environmental standards,” noted Mumbai-based environmental activist B N Kumar. “However, its effectiveness hinges on it being endowed with judicial or semi-judicial powers.”
BJP’s Promises and Plans
The BJPโs manifesto, under the ‘Modi ki Guarantee for Sustainable Bharat’ section, outlines comprehensive plans to combat air pollution, reduce carbon emissions, establish a green corridor, promote recycling, and expand green credit programs, spanning three pages.
Debi Goenka, executive of the Conservation Action Trust, stressed the city’s unique challenges: “The proliferation of high-rises in Mumbai has disrupted wind patterns, affecting various environmental facets. Elected candidates must earnestly fulfil their promises to ensure environmental, social, and economic equity.”
Water Shortages and Climate Change
Mumbai grapples with water shortages during summers, a direct consequence of climate change and environmental degradation. While the NCP โ Sharadchandra Pawar faction has referenced water conservation in select speeches, no party has addressed the critical need for rainwater harvesting or the requisite infrastructure to support it.
“Politicians have historically overlooked environmental concerns, and itโs unlikely to change. However, voters are increasingly mindful of these issues,” opined Karthik Prajapati, an environmental enthusiast from Borivali.
Activists Call for Action
Environmental activists continue to urge candidates to prioritise these pressing issues. They argue that meaningful action on environmental concerns is crucial not only for the present but also for the future sustainability of Mumbai. The city’s voters, increasingly aware of these issues, may demand more concrete commitments from their representatives in future elections.
