Environment exists only in BJP ruled states? Why no activism for Telangana!
Social media was flooded with pictures of birds seemingly distressed while hundreds of acres of forest land were being cleared in Gachibowli by the Telangana Government, despite protests by students and a plea filed in the Hyderabad High Court. Movie actors from South India, influencers like Abhi and Niyu, Dhruv Rathi have expressed concerns. And a Union Ministry has also asked for detailed report on the matter. But the question is, where are Medha Patkar, Swata Bhaskar, Sonam Wangchuk and the regular climate pandits?
Environmental activism has played a significant role in shaping policies and protecting natural habitats worldwide. However, when we observe the pattern of activism in India, one cannot help but notice its selective nature. While large-scale movements have been orchestrated in some states with heavy media attention and celebrity involvement, Telangana has been largely ignored despite evident environmental concerns. This raises an important question: is environmental activism genuinely about saving nature, or is it a political tool that activates only in selective cases?
The Case of Selective Activism
One of the most notable examples of environmental activism was led by Medha Patkar, who strongly opposed the Sardar Sarovar Dam project in Gujarat. Her NGO actively fought against the dam, arguing that it would displace local communities and harm the environment. However, decades later, the project proved to be a boon for farmers, significantly improving irrigation and water availability in the region. This case exemplifies how activism often appears one-sided and fails to consider long-term benefits.
Similarly, the Aarey Forest controversy in Mumbai saw Bollywood celebrities, Christian missionary schools, and NGOs coming together to protest against the construction of a metro car shed. Shraddha Kapoor and several other influential figures publicly opposed the project, portraying it as an ecological disaster. However, the same voices remain absent when it comes to Telangana, where visuals of peacocks and other wildlife being displaced due to urbanization receive little to no attention. Why is this so? Does environmental activism only function when a BJP-led government is in power?
Another example is Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist, who came to Pune to protest against the Riverfront Project. While he made headlines for his opposition, he has never spoken about the environmental degradation in Telangana. This stark contrast in activism highlights a troubling pattern—environmental issues are only brought to the forefront when they align with certain political narratives.
The Political Nexus in Environmental Activism
It is important to question why environmental activism is so focused in certain areas and absent in others. The answer may lie in the ideological motivations behind these movements. Many of these protests align with left-leaning political interests, often targeting projects initiated by non-left governments. If environmental protection were truly the primary concern, one would expect these activists to be vocal everywhere, not just in selective regions.
Another striking pattern is the opposition to Hindu festivals under the guise of environmental protection. Every year, we see massive campaigns against Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Chaturthi, citing pollution concerns. However, similar activism is rarely seen against Eid animal sacrifices, Christmas tree cutting, or New Year fireworks. Why does environmental activism surface selectively, and why does it not extend to places where real environmental degradation is occurring?
Reclaiming Environmental Activism
This discussion should not end with whataboutism. Instead, it should lead us to a deeper introspection. Does the environment belong only to leftists or self-proclaimed intellectuals? Absolutely not. Hindu civilization has long been the torchbearer of sustainable living, from worshiping trees to celebrating festivals that honor nature. So, why has the Hindu society outsourced genuine environmental concerns to those who often seem to have a political agenda?
Peacocks and other birds in Telangana are losing their habitat, yet there is no visible movement to protect them. Instead of waiting for politically motivated activists to raise their voices, the people of Telangana, particularly those who understand the true essence of environmental conservation, should take a stand. Our ancient traditions have always emphasized coexisting with nature. It is time we revive this ethos and advocate for real, unbiased environmental activism.
We must come together as a society, beyond political affiliations, to safeguard our natural habitats. The real environmental movement should not be a tool of political convenience but a sincere effort to protect the environment for future generations. The silence of mainstream activism in Telangana is a wake-up call. It is up to us to ensure that environmental conservation does not become a weapon of selective outrage but remains a cause that truly benefits nature and humanity.
✍️ Pratham Uvaach
0 Comments