5 projects of Modi government that will cause irreversible impact on enviroment

The Great Nicobar Island mega project faces environmental, legal, and ethical concerns, with the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese tribes excluded from consultations. The Rs 72,000 crore project involves the diversion of 130 sq km of pristine forest, posing risks to coral reefs, wildlife, and tribal livelihoods. The project violates Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation (ANIPATR), as it neglects the rights of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes. Critics, including former civil servants, have deemed the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) "flawed" for ignoring tribal communities, violating protections, and overlooking the project’s severe environmental impact. Photo credit: Nicholas Noyes/flickr

The Char Dham Highway project, launched in 2016 to enhance access to sacred sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, has sparked serious environmental concerns. The construction has led to the felling of over 56,000 trees, resulting in landslides, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. Despite its religious significance, the project lacks comprehensive environmental impact assessments and overlooks the fragile nature of the Himalayan ecosystem. Experts warn that unchecked deforestation, slope-cutting, and poor planning could lead to long-term ecological damage, destabilizing the region and endangering both biodiversity and local communities' livelihoods. Photo credit: Flickr

The Indian government has granted preliminary approvals for three large Adani hydropower projects in ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats, despite legal prohibitions. These projects, part of a larger Rs 60,000-crore investment plan, could cause irreversible damage to forests and wildlife. Environmental experts argue that the government's interpretation of regulations is legally questionable and may open doors for similar projects in protected areas. The Adani Group claims these projects contribute to India's clean energy goals, but their own reports acknowledge significant environmental impacts. Local opposition has already led to changes in one project's plans, highlighting the controversy surrounding these developments. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inland waterway transport, while efficient, poses significant environmental challenges. It impacts water quality and aquatic ecosystems through oil spills, operational discharges, and alterations to river courses. These changes affect sediment transport, habitats, and floodplain ecology. Vessel sewage, waste, and dredging activities further damage aquatic environments. Infrastructure runoff containing fuel, particles, and salt also contributes to pollution. Climate change exacerbates these issues, potentially increasing flooding and coastal erosion. To mitigate impacts, the sector must implement stricter regulations, improve vessel design, enhance waste management, and integrate environmental protection into transport planning and operations. Balancing economic benefits with ecological preservation remains a critical challenge for sustainable inland waterway transportation. Photo credit: Nicholas Noyes/flickr

Inland waterway transport, while efficient, poses significant environmental challenges. It impacts water quality and aquatic ecosystems through oil spills, operational discharges, and alterations to river courses. These changes affect sediment transport, habitats, and floodplain ecology. Vessel sewage, waste, and dredging activities further damage aquatic environments. Infrastructure runoff containing fuel, particles, and salt also contributes to pollution. Climate change exacerbates these issues, potentially increasing flooding and coastal erosion. To mitigate impacts, the sector must implement stricter regulations, improve vessel design, enhance waste management, and integrate environmental protection into transport planning and operations. Balancing economic benefits with ecological preservation remains a critical challenge for sustainable inland waterway transportation. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Hans-Peter Balfanz