In your opinion, which entity has contributed most positively to environmental concerns in India: the private environmental consultant, the environmental NGO, both or neither? Is there anyone who would choose "the Indian government" as an answer?
If possible, please provide examples for your answer.
(The reason I ask is because I am wondering myself.)
Replies
Ignorance of the mass and red tapism have led to the scenario where very less has been done and talked more. Even for example people will spend five lacs and more to furnish their bathrooms but will not spend some thousand rupees on rain water conservation whereas if the water layer goes down year by year in the summer season they will go for more deep borewells instead of giving a thought to harvesting rainwater.But than there are people who have a deep thought ,Iwas doing a project in one masjid and a madrasa , during my visits I observed that lot of pristine water used for Waju is going down the drain and to the river, I explained the committee that this water amounting not less than 5000 ltrs. can be as well harvested at a nominal over expenditure they understood and gave the nod for implementing,delighted.
@ Chandra Kishore:
You make an interesting point. Rashmi Bansal's I have a Dream carries a number of very interesting real-life stories of Indian entrepreneurs. Most of them have an environmental-cum-social angle. And yes, it is very very tough to take such ideas forward, but people have done it.
It's no longer a choice between becoming a consultant, Non-profit or working in the government to make a difference. Everyone is doing it's part. The way forward today is to "FIND A PROBLEM" and develop the entrepreneurship ability to find a solution and then market that solution in whatever organizational way you you find fit. I know this new mind set needs a lot of training. At IEN we are grappling with this issue. We need trainers who can help the budding future generation to think and solve problems differently and make a career out of it in the bargain!!
Frankly speaking None in true sprit !!!!
Many thanks for all those who contributed!
I guess there have been few replies as people wonder but have not arrived at any one answer. They are on the fence and would not know exactly what it is they prefer.
So what would each of you who have replied prefer? Given the chance, would you opt for working with an NGO or an environmental consulting firm? Leaving aside the question of better pay, what would you personally find satisfying? And more importantly, which entity would help you realize your goals for environmental betterment?
Dear Dr. Bharat Jethva,Can you plz tell me for dooming of Environment Conservation Movement?
In India awareness regarding pollution prevention and control is not up to the mark,for this i am totally agree but have you ever think,who is responsible ?Now a days neither NGO nor Environmental Consultants are contributing their 100 % towards Environment Conservation.
If you do survey of Environmental Engineering colleges and take opinion of future environment engineer,u will get one standard ans " Want to start my own consulting"though they do not have idea about true meaning of Environment Consulting.
In a Developing country like our, I dont think neither have contributed much as the opportunities are less.
The scope is high but none of the companies or firm do not like to spend on this regard.
The companies feel hiring a Environmental Engineer / Grad and spending on the issues related to Environment is a Liability or a Statutory Requirement.
When this status changes we can gauge which sector has done more work and contributed more.
Although for budding environmental engineers and environmentalists it is a grave question that needs a prompt answer. Being a part of NGO does expose us to the outside world much easier than what Private Organizations/Consultancies would do is what my personal opinion is.
Frankly Speaking ! Environment Conservation Movement in India is Doomed !!! All is on papers !!
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The contribution depends on some equations.. Money, Scope, Risk... then some where in the end the so called ENVIRONMENT.
I would say Indian Government and various banks(WB/ADB) are/have to be major contributors.. without their initiation nothing moves forward as MONEY is the driving factor.