Northeast Desk, 29th August: The proposed climate emergency law in Meghalaya has drawn criticism from the local activist group Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR), which has raised concerns over the transparency and inclusivity of the law-making process.
TUR, a grassroots organization in Meghalaya, criticized the government for its “secretive, non-transparent nature” in crafting the new climate legislation. Angela Rangad, a leader of TUR, argued that climate change and green growth issues cannot be effectively addressed by top-down, consultant-driven policies that lack pre-legislative consultation.
The criticism follows a recent meeting of the Meghalaya State Council on Climate Change and Sustainable Development, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. During this session, the council reviewed the “Meghalaya Climate Emergency and Green Growth Framework” and proposed a new climate emergency law.
TUR accused the government of using the climate crisis narrative to obscure ongoing environmental issues in the state, such as illegal coal mining, indiscriminate hill cutting, and deforestation. They argue that these problems are being driven by vested interests rather than genuine environmental concerns.
The group is demanding that any proposed laws, including the climate emergency legislation, undergo extensive pre-legislative consultations with all stakeholders, including district councils and traditional institutions. They also called for full transparency in the development of the climate emergency framework, emphasizing the need for public disclosure given its impact on tribal rights to land, forest, and water.
Additionally, TUR is seeking accountability for past environmental initiatives, including a 2019 tree-planting project aimed at planting 1.5 million trees, and previous investments in catchment area conservation and spring protection.