The Indian constitution mandates that both the union government and state governments are required to present annual budgets in Parliament and the respective state legislative assemblies. The primary objective of a budget is to set the direction of future public welfare and developmental activities. It also outlines how taxpayers’ money will be allocated and spent across different sectors under the governance.
Double-engine expectation
In the state election during last May, the Bhartiya Janata Party defeated the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and assumed power in the state for the first time in history. Recently, on June 22, Swapan Dasgupta, the finance minister of the newly elected government, presented its first state budget.
Society comprises people with diverse backgrounds, aspirations, expectations, and problems; and, hence, it is quite natural that on budget day, citizens eagerly wait to see whether any new provisions or budgetary allocations are being made that may address their socio-economic concerns and contribute to their quality of lives positively. This year, public expectations were particularly high because, for the first time since the 1977, the same political party is in power both at the central government and in West Bengal. Naturally, people’s expectations, in general, were more from this so-called “double-engine government.”
Needs integrated approach
Under this premise, it may be worthwhile to see what the latest budget means for the environmental sector, particularly for those who work in the sector. The agenda gets more important in the ongoing period, as environmental degradation is identified as one of the most important and pressing global crises, with poverty, energy insecurity, hunger, and war piggybacking on it.
A closer look reveals that poverty and environmental pollution often go hand in hand. Human livelihoods are intricately embraced with the environment; and, therefore, any long-term sustainable solution to environmental problems requires an integrated approach linking all these interconnected issues.
Carbon emissions and solar focus
One of the greatest challenges that the world faces today is to control the carbon dioxide emissions generated by the burning of fossil fuels. Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide is the principal cause of global warming, which in turn has led to climate change across the planet. To address this challenge, the state budget has allocated ₹200 crore in connection to State Action Plan on Climate Change.
Moreover, after nearly fifteen years, the new government’s budget has once again emphasized the promotion of solar energy as a means to reduce dependence on thermal power and, hence, reduce carbon emissions as a corollary. At one time, West Bengal was known as a pioneer in the promotion of solar energy in India. Santi Pada Gon Chaudhury, a solar expert, was associated with the effort in the early eighties. However, over time, the issue and the focus on solar gradually faded out, while the issue has started to get global as well as national attention as an effective counter to climate change and air pollution.
The renewed emphasis on solar power in the current budget is a highly commendable step in the context of today’s environmental realities, particularly with respect to reducing the carbon footprint of the state.
Key agendas left out
However, the environmental activists also hoped for the inclusion of several other environmental conservation-oriented measures in the budget. It is a fact that no government can fulfil all expectations in its very first budget, and that too coming up within one and a half months of assuming power. Nevertheless, it is important to document that some key issues have remained unaddressed. For example, only a modest allocation has been made to strengthen the functioning of the state environment department.
Although the budget has focused on urban development and the creation of several new municipalities, it has not provided any fresh roadmap for managing the growing volume of municipal solid waste, biomedical waste, industrial waste, electronic waste, and plastic waste generated in municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats.
We have budgetary plans for the development of new green cities and stronger measures to address natural disasters in the Sundarbans and other coastal regions of the state. The proposal to spend ₹50 crore on creating natural protective forests of salt-tolerant vegetation as a shield against cyclones in the Sundarbans is undoubtedly welcome. However, such initiatives must also take into account the livelihoods and economic needs of the local population.
Re-focus on solar in Sundarbans
The distinguished environmental economist Professor Deb Kumar Bose, also the former chairman of West Bengal Pollution Control Board, once observed that the ongoing process of large-scale electrification in the Sundarbans was not entirely appropriate. He argued that solar energy should instead be prioritized in the Sundarbans and in mountainous regions. He made these observations nearly forty years ago while serving on India’s Planning Commission.
Can we revisit the paradigm for Sundarbans, which, incidentally, is one of the pioneers of solar power in the country? Moreover, it is also important to use the previously installed solar plants in Sundarbans as a supplement to grid-based thermal power that dominates now, as it is completely criminal to allow such plants to become abandoned—and to turn junk—and waste crores of public money that we invested over decades!
North Bengal development and riverbank erosion
The present budget also promises to develop North Bengal in a new way. However, development in the Himalayan and foothill regions of North Bengal must carefully address issues such as landslides, river management, waste management, drainage systems, plastic pollution, and unplanned urbanization and illegal construction undertaken without regard for the region’s unique geology and geomorphology.
Another major environmental challenge facing the state is riverbank erosion. To combat this problem, illegal sand mining from riverbeds and unauthorized construction of multi-storied buildings along riverbanks must be stopped immediately.
The jute industry needs support
Among environmentally friendly industries, the jute industry occupies a prominent position. Surprisingly, this important sector received little attention in the current budget. If India is serious about curbing the widespread use of illegal plastic products, the jute industry must be brought to the forefront. The sector requires revitalization and renewed policy support. We must understand that jute is not a sunset industry.
On the contrary, it represents one of the most effective environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic. Countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China are increasingly expanding the use of jute products. At one time, the banks of the Ganges in West Bengal had housed the highest concentration of jute mills in Asia. We possess fertile soil, abundant river water, and thousands of skilled workers. I am afraid that unless these resources are properly utilized, we will not be able to achieve our desired socio-economic and environmental goals in the state.
Better green governance is required
Finally, it is worth noting that the budget promises the creation of one lakh new government jobs across various departments. However, there is no proposal to increase staffing in the Pollution Control Board despite the growing challenges posed by environmental pollution. To effectively address current pollution levels, every district should have its own Pollution Control Board office staffed by scientists, planners, lawyers, and other professionals. The future of clean villages and cities depends significantly on the legal effectiveness and institutional strength of the Pollution Control Board. Furthermore, every municipality, municipal corporation, and panchayat should have an environmental expert responsible for environmental planning and oversight.
Overall, although this budget cannot be described as fully environment-friendly, it remains a budget of hope. Several important issues that had long been neglected have finally received attention. At the same time, the many environmental challenges that remain unresolved require urgent and thoughtful action in the near future. Hope that the government and finance minister will look into the agendas in the not-too-distant future.Biswajit Mukherjee is a social and environmental activist and retired chief law officer of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board.