Elections are not just a civic obligation, but they are a festival of democracy. It is a time to assess the performance of parties, scrutinise their promises, and make informed choices about our future leaders. While only one party holds the fort at the centre and forms a government, each party plays a role in development of different regions in the country, making it important to understand the promises they make to assess their performance in the given term, in order to make an informed decision during the next election.

Considering the fact that India is still considered to be a developing country, environment has never taken a central stage in political agenda. However, with increasing instances of climate related issues, it is important to understand what are the plans of various political parties with regards to environmental conservation. On this note, let us take a look at what are the promises made by the national political parties of India in their election manifestos for the General Elections 2024.

Bharatiya Janata Party

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its 2024 manifesto emphasises the critical importance of safeguarding flora, fauna, and the environment to ensure a sustainable future. It stresses that the current generation must strive to make the world a better place, not only for themselves but also for future generations. This involves nurturing the environment, institutions, people, resources, and amenities, combining the lessons of the past with the opportunities of the present, and planning for the future.

The BJP outlines a holistic view of sustainable development, highlighting that assets and amenities must be developed in a manner that leaves an equally good or better environment for future generations. It has promised that sustainability will be placed at the centre of their policies and actions. They pledge to take climate change mitigation initiatives seriously and collaborate with the global community and institutions.

The BJP manifesto includes specific measures to achieve these goals. They promise to promote cleaner production techniques and cleaner fuels to reduce pollution, especially in urban areas. They are committed to encourage the concept of proactive carbon credits, and have the projects undergo ecological audits. They are also looking to index cities and townships for pollution levels scientifically.

The party has assured that priority will be given to setting up pollution control mechanisms. In addition to protecting existing forests and wildlife reserves, the BJP plans to use wastelands for social forestry.

The manifesto has stated that guidelines for green buildings and energy-efficient workplaces will be developed, and research and development in environmental technology and human resource development will be promoted. It also includes establishing foolproof mechanisms for the protection and preservation of wildlife, encouraging citizen participation in reforestation, agro-forestry, and social forestry through targeted programs, and incentivising innovative garbage disposal and waste management practices, especially recycling techniques.

Recognising the unique ecological significance of the Himalayas, the BJP has committed to creating global awareness regarding their conservation. Specific steps include launching a ‘National Mission on Himalayas’ as a unique program of inter-governmental partnership for coordinated policy-making and capacity building across states and sectors. For this purpose, the promise has been made for creation of a Himalayan Sustainability Fund, along with a central university dedicated to Himalayan technology. The manifesto states that programs aimed at arresting the melting of Himalayan glaciers, which are crucial for the rivers of North India, will be given special importance.

The BJP manifesto has underscored the belief articulated by Mahatma Gandhi that “there is enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed.” The party has stressed the need for harnessing and protecting the country’s resources responsibly. It has said that policies will be established for critical natural resources like coal, minerals, and spectrum, detailing how much should be utilised, the pace of utilisation, strategic phasing to ensure sustainability, and allocation responsibilities. It has also assured that state governments will be involved in the harnessing of these resources, and efficient auction mechanisms, including e-auction, will be implemented.

Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed in its 2024 Election Manifesto, of its profound commitment to rapid, inclusive, and sustainable development, focusing on the protection of ecosystems, local communities, flora, and fauna.

The Congress has proposed that they will constitute an independent Environment Protection and Climate Change Authority to establish, monitor, and enforce environmental standards and to implement national and state climate change plans. The manifesto states that the party will launch a Green New Deal Investment Programme, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the creation of green jobs. It also mentions the strengthening of National Clean Air Programme to urgently tackle air pollution, adding that efforts will be made to stop the discharge of effluents into rivers and water bodies.

INC has promised that a high-level committee will be appointed to study landslides in hill districts, develop preventive measures, and ensure citizen safety. The coastal zones will be protected while preserving the livelihoods of fishing communities. The Congress commits to increasing forest cover, redefining ‘forest’ and ‘forest cover’ according to modern scientific standards, and involving local communities in afforestation. To ensure clean cooking fuel for all households, they have assured that they will work to increase the usage of LPG cylinders among Ujjwala beneficiaries.

With an aim to facilitate funding for the Green Transition and achieve net zero by 2070, the INC has said that it will establish the Green Transition Fund of India in collaboration with state governments and the private sector. It has assured that disaster management will be expanded to include vulnerable lives such as wild animals, domestic animals, pets, and livestock. The allocation to the National Adaptation Fund will be increased, and the guidelines for its use will be reviewed. The transition from the 2008 National Action Plan on Climate Change to a National Climate Resilience Development Mission will ensure all sectors have actionable protocols and measurable targets. The Congress has also promised to address increasing conflicts between humans and wildlife by finding area-specific solutions.

In order to address river pollution, INC has promised that the discharge of effluents into rivers will be prohibited by law, and panchayats and municipalities will be legally required to devise and implement waste disposal schemes.

The Trinamool Congress

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has articulated a detailed plan for environmental conservation and biodiversity in its 2024 manifesto. One of the key initiatives is the rehabilitation of degraded wetlands by 2032, engaging local communities in the process.

The TMC has committed to integrate a Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) approach into Bengal’s environmental governance. In this manner, tribal communities and their representatives will be more strongly integrated into consultations for projects that affect their habitat or consumable resources. They will be given incremental rights to administer forest stretches and resources to safeguard ecological diversity, protect lands, and uphold ancestral customs.

The party is committed to gradually increasing Bengal’s forest cover, which currently stands at approximately 19% of the geographical area. This will be achieved through the regeneration of degraded forests in urban and peri-urban areas. Additionally, the declining mangrove forests in the Sundarbans will be gradually restored. The TMC will intensify mangrove plantation drives to replant mangrove trees in degraded areas and carry out afforestation in suitable areas where mangroves have not previously existed. Modern technology will be deployed to identify degraded areas suitable for plantation, monitor growth and survival rates of newly planted mangroves, and apply adaptive management practices based on ongoing monitoring data.

The party will also implement strategies to protect Bengal’s rivers from erosion and safeguard communities from floods. Erosion control measures such as planting willows and deep-rooting vegetation will be undertaken to stabilise riverbanks and mitigate erosion.

On a broader national level, the TMC will revisit amendments to the Forest Conservation Act to preserve the sanctity of land recorded as ‘forest’ according to the Indian Forest Act (1927). They will ensure no irresponsible transfer of forest land to non-forest uses, such as building roadside amenities, safaris, and eco-tourism activities.

The party has said that it will strengthen the National Clean Air Programme with better strategies to curb air pollution. The number and coverage of air quality monitoring stations across the country will be increased to capture more accurate and comprehensive data. Emission standards for industries and power plants will be reviewed and updated. Sector-specific strategies for transportation, industry, agriculture (particularly stubble burning), and construction will be developed to tackle prominent industrial sources of air pollution. The TMC will also promote the adoption of LPG as a cooking fuel across all households to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional solid fuels like wood or charcoal.

TMC has promised that it will undertake a comprehensive review of legislation pertaining to mining. It has stated that it will reexamine and modernise The Mines Act (1952), the Mines and Minerals Act (1957), and the Environment Protection Act (1986). This review will work to strengthen environmental safety standards, enhance labour safety standards, and develop state-of-the-art approaches for the sustainable use of minerals, ecological damage mitigation strategies, and safety of mining workers.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) aims to reform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, making it more effective, transparent, and accountable, as per their manifesto. They plan to repeal the EIA Notification 2020 and introduce revised guidelines. CPI(M) is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind, ensuring a just transition from fossil fuels.

CPI(M) has said that under its supervision, a participatory National Adaptation Plan (NAP) will be developed to address climate impacts such as agricultural disruption, extreme weather events, and coastal erosion. The party has also committed to focus on sustainable development strategies for the fragile Himalayan and Western Ghats regions and the North-East.

CPI(M) intends to revise the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce urban air pollution and implement measures to protect river beds and flood plains. They plan to repeal the Biodiversity Amendment Act 2023 to prevent corporate exploitation of biodiversity resources. They aim to scrap the environmentally detrimental Islands Development Plan and the National Oil Palm Mission, particularly for sensitive regions like the North-East and Andaman Islands.

CPI(M) aims to reformulate the National Water Policy to treat water as a public good, addressing the water crisis by enhancing equitable water availability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. This includes protecting rivers, expanding water bodies, and increasing groundwater recharge. The party promises WHO-standard piped potable water for all households and opposes the privatization of water resources.

To combat river pollution, CPI(M) has committed to enforce stringent sewage and wastewater treatment regulations. They plan to withdraw the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment, 2024, which allows the Centre to override State Pollution Control Boards. A comprehensive review of the inter-linking of rivers program will be undertaken, with a focus on protecting river catchment areas and checking glacier melting.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has acknowledged the critical environmental challenge facing India, where 42 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities are located within its borders. The palpable effects of climate change are increasingly evident, impacting the physical environment, ecosystems, and communities. Recognising the urgency for immediate action, the NCP’s manifesto commits to comprehensive measures to secure the well-being and prosperity of current and future generations.

To achieve ‘Net Zero’ emissions, the NCP proposes a comprehensive approach that integrates government policies, technological advancements, financial incentives, and community involvement. This approach will focus on renewable energy, the decarbonization of industry, sustainable infrastructure, and green travel. For climate action, the party aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy, and enhance energy efficiency and conservation. In terms of ecosystem conservation, the NCP is committed to protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, initiating afforestation projects, and promoting sustainable land use.

Addressing air and water quality is another priority of the party, with plans to tackle pollution from industrial sources, promote clean transportation, and implement wastewater treatment projects. Strengthening waste management, recycling, and reducing plastic pollution in aquatic environments are key components of their waste management strategy. The NCP also emphasises the need to balance economic growth with environmental care and social equity, promoting sustainable development.

Investing in environmental education programs to empower community-led environmental protection efforts is a significant part of their strategy. To improve natural disaster preparedness, the NCP plans to enhance early warning systems and community-driven initiatives. On the international stage, the party is committed to engaging in global environmental initiatives for shared solutions and governance.

NCP has said that an expert committee will be established to assess and prevent construction impacts in eco-sensitive areas, particularly in the Himalayan regions. The NCP plans to collaborate with state governments to jointly address air and water quality, forest cover, and other environmental issues. Comprehensive water management strategies will be devised for the sustainable use and conservation of water resources. The party aims to invest in water infrastructure, collaborating with states to ensure clean water supply and sanitation, thus improving public health.

To promote water conservation, the NCP has promised to encourage rainwater harvesting, desalination, recycling, and groundwater recharge. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to prevent water pollution and maintain sanitation standards is also a key objective of the party. Utilising technology for efficient water quality monitoring and resource management will be prioritized under NCP government, along with fostering stakeholder collaboration for resource mobilization and expertise in water management initiatives.

Conclusion

While all the parties are committed to environmental conservation, none of them have provided a comprehensive framework that effectively integrates climate resilience, sustainable urban planning, and equitable resource management. Specific, quantifiable targets and timelines for achieving their environmental goals are often missing, making it challenging to measure progress and ensure accountability.

Additionally, detailed plans for marine and coastal biodiversity conservation, green job creation, and a robust environmental justice framework for marginalized and vulnerable communities are notably absent. Furthermore, the importance of integrating environmental education across all levels of schooling and conducting broad public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of sustainability has not been adequately addressed. These gaps highlight the need for a more holistic and actionable approach to environmental conservation by Indian political leadership.