The Indian state has an ambivalent position in its relationship with the environment. The recent flash flood in the Rishi Ganga river in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand with its unprecedented intensity and virulence along with its human misery and ecological consequences has once again highlighted this fault. The economic growth model that thrives on compulsive consumerism and egregious global capitalism has admittedly no environmental sensitivity. Many countries have a well-articulated position vis-a-vis environmental concerns. For instance, the US does not have overt pretences about eco-sensitivity, though in Joe Biden’s presidency they have rejoined the Paris climate agreement.
On the other hand, Scandinavian countries and some European nations have a more sensitive and sensible environment policy. China is on the other extreme, with scant respect for environmental discipline. The Indian state, however, has a record of sorts in its hypocrisy on environmental issues. Successive