Inspiring India: Challenges for Environmental Democracy in the Worlds Largest Democracy

Venue: Prest Theatre G06, Prest Theatre

Presenters: Mr Ritwick Duttua

India's developmental strategy is obsessively focused on economic growth with GDP being the central focus. This obsession has led to massive exploitation of forests, rivers and land, as well as increased conflict between the State and the corporate entities with India's rural and tribal communities. However, despite the growing might of corporations and the state, India's environment movement is more vibrant than ever before.

Using multiple tools (community mobilisation, social media, peaceful protests and legal tools), India's environmental movement is credited not only for protecting the environment but also for revitalising democracy at a grassroots levels. It has ensured that the Rule of Law is respected and people's voices are taken seriously in the decision making process.

Ritwick Dutta is an Environmental Lawyer & Managing Trustee, Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment.

from
https://events.unimelb.edu.au/events/6785-inspiring-india-challenges-for-environmental-democracy-in-the-worlds-largest