GIRD in association with Delhi Technological University's Department of Environment would organize a National Workshop on Environment and Energy Action Plan for India: Charting a Path of Community Participation on 19 December 2009 in Delhi
GREEN INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT [GIRD]
National Workshop
on
Environment and Energy Action Plan for India: Charting a Path of Community Participation
19th December 2009 at Exposition Hall, Delhi Technical University (former Delhi College of Engineering)
BACKGROUND NOTE
The current phase of development in India, as in most parts of the world, requires stronger and effective action plans for alternative and safe energy generation and protection of natural resources and environment on the part of the State as well as civil society as it has been recognized that continued degradation of natural environment and resources, particularly depletion of energy resources, are leading to consequences inimical to the very life and wellbeing of the humanity and the planet earth. The deleterious effects of reckless exploitation of nature are felt in the fields of
- Land, water and air degradation and pollution
- Deforestation
- Climatic change
- Natural calamities like floods, droughts, winds, wildfires etc.
- Reduction and destruction of bio-diversity
- Depletion of energy resources
Cumulative effects of these consequences are health hazards and shutting out scope for further development of the nations and its peoples.
True, India has introduced measures for protection and promotion of environment and conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Since the 1970s, Indian government has enacted several environmental legislations. These legislations are mostly regulatory in nature. There are also policy statements and formulation of action programmes, like the Policy Statement for Abatement of Pollution and the National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development. The Environmental Action Programme of 1993 was formulated with the objective of improving environment services and integrating environmental considerations into development programmes.
It is necessary to take stock of the adequacy and effectiveness of the measures taken by the Government keeping in view the stage of economic development and the prospect of future development for India, especially in the background of changes in energy scenario at international level and taking cues from environmental and energy sustainability strategies being adopted by the developed countries and other countries similarly placed like India.
An important aspect of the evaluation exercise need is to see how our environment protection and conservation strategies and programmes are being viewed by different sections of society in different parts of the country. There have been issues and problems galore with various aspects of governmental action plans and programmes involving genuine concerns of different communities including smooth conduct of their livelihood means. An example of this is the problems being faced by the local populace in and near the areas of protected sanctuaries and national parks and reserves on account of regulations and restrictions imposed on them.
The proposed National Workshop will highlight and report such community concerns from different States and regions of the country with reference to various environment protection and conservation projects. The aim is to strengthen such projects through meaningful community consultation and participation and help evolve comprehensive legislative measures, policies and action prgorammes covering all key areas concerning protection of environment and creation of sustainable energy resources as well as management of environmental hazards and disasters.
The Workshop will also focus on generating pro-active community action for evolving and/or strengthening clean and sustainable energy resources in local area levels. Delegates from different States will report on locally available alternative, clean sources of energy and potential for expansion of existing usage of energy sources like bio-gas, bio-mass, micro-hydro power, wind power, solar-power. For example, potentials for expansion of bio-gas fuel from home/family-based to community-based, micro-level production of bio-mass electricity, bio-diesel etc could be assessed and strategies suggested for effective and viable modes of implementation of projects.
The Workshop will deliberate on issues of community education programmes that will help accelerate participation of relevant local communities in environment protection and generation of clean energy sources and practices.
Participants
Participants in the Workshop will include environment scientists from States, environment activists and community leaders from different regions / State of India.
Objectives of the Workshop
The main objective of the Workshop is to evolve a viable system of enlisting support and participation in environment protection and promotion, creation/expansion of clean and sustainable energy sources and processes and prevention and management of environmental degradation effects and calamities.
Benefits
Inputs from the Workshop will be of use for the Government and other organizations, and voluntary agencies for adopting appropriate strategies to chart a comprehensive energy and environment action programme including drawing up policies, legislations, programmes and nuts and bolts of effective implementation in all major areas of concern for environmental protection, sustainable use of limited energy resources and creation of clean and sustainable energy sources and processes. Strategies could be evolved for galvanizing general population, especially in rural areas, including households, local level community groups and organizations towards energy efficiency, energy conservation, clean energy usage and expansion of potentials of bio-gas, bio-mass based consumption of energy and generation of other alternate sources of energy.
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