The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has put forth a preliminary notification, inviting public input on potential revisions to the 1989 Doon Valley notification. During the next 60 days, individuals can submit their objections or suggestions in writing to the ministry.
The proposed modifications involve the state government collaborating with relevant departments to formulate plans for tourism, grazing, development master plans, and other aspects. Additionally, the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board will assess orange category industrial projects not covered by the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), following established procedures.
Concerns raised by conservationists emphasize that the 1989 Doon Valley notification, altered in 2005 and 2020, has already made concessions to political and business interests. Further dilution of these regulations could have detrimental effects on the fragile valley, which is already grappling with challenges from unplanned urbanization, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Environmental advocate Reenu Paul pointed out potential risks, stating that granting absolute authority to the state government could bypass checks, balances, and expert monitoring. Paul explained the motive behind the amendments, suggesting that it is an attempt to pre-empt legal challenges arising from informed citizens taking matters to court based on the 1989 notification.
The Doon Valley notification, vital for safeguarding the valley from degradation, is undergoing amendments as the state pursues its development plans. Recent legal battles underscore the importance of maintaining the safeguards provided by the 1989 notification, especially in the face of mounting pressure from tourism, vehicular pollution, and unregulated infrastructure development.
Established in 1989, the Doon Valley notification classified industries based on pollution levels and prohibited land-use changes, grazing, and the establishment of Red Category industries—a pivotal step in environmental protection following Maharashtra's Murud-Janjira Environmental Site notification in January 1989.
