Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
Environmental health regulatory agency would look at the interlinked issues of climate, environment, health and the economy in a holistic way
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 22nd November 2024
India needs an environmental health regulatory agency
India, experiencing rapid economic growth, faces critical challenges in addressing the interconnections between climate, environment, and public health. Despite ongoing efforts, pollutants in air, water, and soil continue to pose grave health risks. Establishing an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) could provide the integrated governance framework needed to address these challenges effectively, aligning environmental protection with public health priorities.
The Need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA)
- Epidemiological Evidence: Studies highlight the health impacts of pollutants, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.
- Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and economically weaker populations face heightened risks.
- Air Pollution Impact: PM2.5 exposure is linked to adverse health outcomes like mental health disorders and developmental delays.
- Disconnect Across Ministries: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) operate in silos, limiting data integration.
- Missed Opportunities: Lack of coordinated efforts hinders comprehensive health impact assessments and emission control.
- Global Inspiration: Agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Japan’s Ministry of Environment demonstrate successful integration of health and environment management.
Data-Driven Framework for Regulation
- Research and Evidence-Based Policies
- Current Gaps: Limited national research specific to India’s environmental health challenges.
- Role of EHRA: Commission studies on unique challenges like heavy metal exposure, vector-borne diseases, and climate change impacts on health systems.
- Health Impact Assessments (HIAs)
- Proactive Risk Mitigation: Embed HIAs in urban planning and major projects.
- Global Practices: Replicate successful data-driven regulatory frameworks from the U.S. and Germany to ensure evidence-backed decision-making.
- Economic and Social Co-Benefits
- Economic Growth Synergy: Sustainable practices can create green jobs, spur innovation, and promote financial resilience.
- Public Awareness: Equip citizens to advocate for cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles.
Localisation and Public Engagement
- Diverse Challenges: Environmental issues vary across India’s regions.
- Customised Solutions: Collaborate with State and municipal bodies to design context-specific policies.
- National Platform: Develop a granular monitoring system for accountability.
- Grassroots Advocacy: Leverage local bodies and panchayats to build accountability bottom-up.
- Role of NGOs and Media: Strengthen citizen engagement and amplify awareness campaigns.
Building Accountability and Overcoming Barriers
- Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Establish clear frameworks for cooperation across ministries.
- Operational Independence: Ensure the EHRA functions autonomously, guided by scientific expertise.
- Performance Indicators: Align national objectives with global standards such as the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.
- Cross-Sectoral Cooperation: Encourage partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society.
Conclusion
The establishment of an EHRA in India could transform the nation’s environmental health governance by integrating pollution control with public health imperatives. With a proactive, evidence-based approach, the EHRA can enable India to align sustainable development with economic growth, ensuring a healthier future for its citizens while meeting global environmental commitments.
Related PYQ
Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2021]
Practice Question
Discuss the need for an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) in India. Highlight its potential roles and challenges in addressing the country’s environmental and public health issues [250 words]
Guidelines for Answering the Question
- Introduction:
- Briefly highlight the interconnection between environmental degradation and public health in India.
- State the need for a unified regulatory agency like EHRA to address these challenges effectively.
- Body:
- Discuss the fragmented governance structure and its limitations.
- Highlight increasing pollution-related health risks (e.g., PM2.5, water contamination).
- Suggest Data-driven policies, health impact assessments, and inter-ministerial coordination.
- Mention promoting sustainable practices aligned with economic development.
- Conclusion:
- Reiterate the significance of an EHRA for sustainable development and public health.
- Suggest it as a step toward meeting national and global commitments like SDGs and the Paris Agreement.