QUES . What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India. Answer in 250 words.15 marks. UPSC MAINS 2025 GS PAPER 2
HINTS:
Environmental pressure groups are voluntary organisations, or groups of people, that seek to influence the policies and actions of governments or businesses and mobilise public opinion to protect the environment, natural resources, and ecological rights.
Major environmental pressure groups in India include well-known non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutes, and grassroots movements dedicated to conservation, advocacy, and sustainable development. They work to influence public opinion, corporate practices, and government policies on environmental issues ranging from deforestation and pollution to climate change and wildlife protection.
Why environmental pressure groups have emerged in India?
India has a broad range of environmental legal provisions and regulations, with over 200 laws made for environmental protection. Alongside this, is the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which is specifically designed for environment cases.
However, environment regulation enforcement and governance is generally poor in India. That is why, environmental pressure groups have emerged in India and have been pivotal in shaping environmental discourse. They ensure that ecological concerns are not sidelined by developmental priorities.
Examples of Environmental Pressure Groups in India
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): CSE makes efforts to create awareness about environmental problems and propose sustainable solutions. Two of their interesting publications are ‘Down to Earth’ and ‘Gobar Times’ magazine for children.
Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI): Focuses on combating poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE): An environment-based think tank with global recognition, ATREE generates interdisciplinary knowledge to inform policy and practice towards conservation and sustainability.
Chipko Movement: A grassroot movement from the 1970s that demonstrated the link between forest resources and livelihoods.
Greenpeace India: Conducts campaigns on issues such as coal mining and other environmental threats.
Narmada Bachao Andolan: A prominent social movement that raised concerns about the environmental and social impacts of large dams.
TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute): A corporate-linked organization that works with industries on sustainability and clean energy.
Kalpavriksh: An NGO estabished in 1979 and works on environmental awareness, campaigns, litigation, research, and other areas.
Tarun Bharat Sangh: A community-based organization working on conservation and sustainable livelihoods in Rajasthan.
Development Alternatives: It is a non-profit organization established in 1983 and engaged in research and action for sustainable development.
Role of environmental pressure groups in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India
Role of environmental pressure groups in Raising Awareness
One of the most important functions of environmental pressure groups is to inform the masses about the significance of maintaining the environment. They help individuals understand the implications of individual actions on the environment through seminars, media advertising, and educational programs within communities. Some notable examples:
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): CSE makes efforts to create awareness about environmental problems and propose sustainable solutions. Their tools for creating awareness are periodicals publications, films, exhibitions and other products. Two of their interesting publications are ‘Down to Earth’ and ‘Gobar Times’ magazine for children.
Chipko Movement (Uttarakhand, 1970s): Raised awareness about forest conservation.
Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) (1985–present): Raised awareness about ecological damage and displacement of tribal and rural communities caused by large-scale development projects.
Silent Valley Movement (Kerala, 1970s): Raised awareness about forest conservation.
Bishnoi Movement (Rajasthan, 1730s): Raised awareness about protection of trees.
Jungle Bachao Andolan (Singhbhum, 1980s): The movement highlighted the conflict between commercial interests and the traditional rights of forest-dwelling communities.
Fridays for Future: sensitising citizens on climate change.
Role of environmental pressure groups in Influencing Policies and advocating for environmental protection
Environmental pressure groups advocate stronger environmental policies and regulations in the society. The organizations operate by working with the policy makers and lobbying in legislations that address important critical issues such as pollution, forest conservation, and climatic change.
Researching, reporting, and organizing campaigns, they ensure to have laws that respect the sustainability and health of the environment.
Environmental groups have also used India’s legal system to advance their causes. Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by environmental lawyers like M.C. Mehta have led to landmark judicial interventions.
Challenges Faced by Environmental Pressure Groups in India
Lack of funds
Political and Social Resistance
Lack of Public Awareness
Conclusion
Thus, environmental pressure groups focus on numerous environmental issues including, conservation of natural resources, promotion of clean energy, protection of endangered species and fighting against climate change effects. They strive to organize people and resources through advocacy, education, and direct action towards achieving a more sustainable future.
